Taxonomic study of (Hymenochaetales, Hymenochaetaceae) in East Asia with two new species.

The genus (Hymenochaetales, Hymenochaetaceae) was first described by Murrill in 1907. However, species of were subsequently reclassified into the genera , , and due to overlapping morphological characteristics, leading to multiple synonyms and confusion among researchers. Recent phylogenetic analyses based on multimarker datasets have clarified the diversity and relationships within , but East Asian species remain underrepresented due to limited morphological data. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive morphological and phylogenetic analysis of East Asian specimens using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-α () regions. From 42 specimens, we identified six species, including two novel species, and , and we report for the first time in Korea. Phylogenetic analyses also support the recombination of and as and , respectively. By elucidating the phylogenetic relationships and morphological traits of species from East Asia, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the global diversity and phylogeny of the genus.