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Abstract
In a previous study of the genus Plicaria and its relationship to Peziza, the molecular phylogeny that was generated suggested Peziza is paraphyletic. The objective of this study was to explore this problem by examining a larger sample of Peziza species, by increasing the length of DNA sequence analyzed, and by including in the analysis additional genera in the Pezizaceae. DNA sequences were obtained from the 5’ internal transcribed spacer region, the divergent domains D1 and D2 of the 28S gene, and most of the 18S gene of the nuclear-encoded ribosomal DNA. Maximum-likelihood analysis of these sequences indicates that Peziza is composed of at least two distinct clades: the first clade contains taxa with mostly smooth to finely-roughened, eguttulate ascospores and Oedocephalum anamorphs, the second clade contains mostly taxa with warted, guttulate ascospores and Chromelosporium anamorphs. Separate generic status for Kimbropezia is weakly supported by the phylogenetic analysis and Peziza quelepidotia is sufficiently distinct to retain its original status as Lepidotia hispida. This study is the first to suggest a phylogenetic link between the mitotic fungus Glischroderma, and the genera Scabropezia and Pachyphloeus. Other hypogeous species that belong in the Pezizaceae include Cazia flexiascus, Terfezia arenaria and Terfezia terfezioides.