A phylogenetic study of the genus Schizopora (Basidiomycota) based on ITS DNA sequences

A phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer regions of the nuclear ribosomal RNA region (ITS) sequences has been undertaken for speci es in the genus Schizopora. Four known species were studied, viz. S. radula , S. paradoxa, S. flavipora, S. nothofagi, and a hitherto undescribed speci es from Taiwan. Allopatric differentiation was apparent in S. radula. for w hich several geographically representive samples were available. Among thes e, ITS sequence data obtained from S. radula isolates from British Columbia and Australasia were identical. All previously recognised Schizopora speci es were well separated from each other with respect to their ITS sequences. Mating compatibility tests also showed complete reproductive separation be tween species, but intercompatibility between cultures from the same specie s, irrespective of geographical origin. Overall, the morphology of basidiom es of S. radula from New Zealand differs only in minor respects from those of European and Argentinean origin, but shows a higher degree of variabilit y than described for European specimens.