The revision of the taxonomic system of Lycoperdaceae

The members of Lycoperdaceae, commonly known as puffballs, are widely distributed as saprotrophic fungi. The current taxonomic system of this family has been extensively debated, primarily due to conflicts between morphological based system and the phylogenetics one. In this study, we reconstructed a comprehensive phylogeny of Lycoperdaceae, represented by 96 species across 19 genera, using multiple gene sequences; internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large ribosomal subunit (nrLSU), the second largest RNA polymerase subunit (rpb2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha ( tef1- alpha ). Additionally, we estimated the divergence times for each taxon, considering it as an additional criterion for taxonomic ranking. Based on updated phylogenetic results and examination of morphological characters, Lycoperdaceae is divided into a total of 19 genera, with a divergence time range of 26.7-75.5 Ma. This includes the identification of five new genera: Fuscospina, Leptocaulis, Lycoperdiscus, Pseudoperdon, and Sinoperdon. Four previously known Lycoperdon s.l. subgenera ( Bovistella , Morganella, Utraria and Vascellum) and Bovista subg. Globaria were elevated to the generic level. Moreover, we proposed and described 22 new species and 25 new combinations from the genera Bovista, Calvatia, Globaria and Lycoperdon s.l. Simultaneously, morphological examination revealed key features, such as capillitium types and paracapillitium, which could potentially be informative to delineate species at the generic level. This study enhances the understanding of the phylogeny and evolution of Lycoperdaceae, bridging diversity gaps within Asia and contributing to the global species diversity of Lycoperdaceae.