Verified Occurrence of Terfezia albida in Türkiye: An Integrative Approach Combining Morphological and Molecular Evidence

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Abstract
This study undertakes a taxonomic examination of hypogeous fungi collected in Konya Province, Türkiye, on May 11, 2023. An integrative method merges macroscopic and microscopic morphological evaluations with molecular phylogenetic assessments of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) region. The phylogenetic analysis indicates more than 99% sequence similarity to Terfezia albida Ant. Rodr., Mohedano & Bordallo, thus confirming the specimens' taxonomic classification. Although Terfezia albida was previously reported in Türkiye based on morphological features, this research marks the first molecularly verified occurrence outside the Iberian Peninsula, supported by comprehensive morphological and ecological data. The study also includes documentation of habitat specifics, geographic coordinates, collection dates, and photographic evidence. These results expand the range of Terfezia albida and highlight the importance of integrative taxonomic methods in deepening our understanding of hypogeous fungal diversity.

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