Taxonomic Revision of Korean Saddle Fungi (<i>Helvella</i>, Helvellaceae)

<i>Helvella</i>, commonly known as saddle fungi, is a genus in the Helvellaceae family and is distributed globally. Recent comprehensive studies on <i>Helvella</i> have revealed that some <i>Helvella</i> species exhibit endemic traits and that many morphologically similar, cryptic species are phylogenetically distant. In this study, 202 Korean <i>Helvella</i> specimens collected between 1986 and 2023 were reevaluated through morphological analysis and phylogenetic characterization using barcode sequences, including nrLSU (nuclear Large Subunit Ribosomal DNA), <i>hsp90</i> (Heat Shock Protein 90), and ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer). The investigation confirmed the presence of at least 35 phylogenetic species in Korea. Among these, eight species (<i>H. atroides</i>, <i>H. fistulosa</i>, <i>H. liquii</i>, <i>H. lobata</i>, <i>H. rugosa</i>, <i>H. subglabroides</i>, <i>H. sublactea</i>, <i>H. varia</i>) were identified as previously unrecorded species in Korea, and seven new species (<i>H. densipila</i>, <i>H. flavopus</i>, <i>H. macrospora</i>, <i>H. griseobrunnea</i>, <i>H. pseudolobata</i>, <i>H. parviflava</i>, <i>H. suborentitomentosa</i>) were discovered. Of the 13 previously recorded Korean <i>Helvella</i> species, only three (<i>H. ephippioides</i>, <i>H. macropus</i>, <i>H. orienticripsa</i>) were confirmed, while the remaining ten species (<i>H. acetabulum</i>, <i>H. atra</i>, <i>H. compressa</i>, <i>H. costifera</i>, <i>H. crispa</i>, <i>H. elastica</i>, <i>H. sublicia</i>, <i>H. fibrosa</i>, <i>H. lacunosa</i>, <i>H. pezizoides</i>) were not detected in the samples studied. This study enhances our understanding of the distribution of <i>Helvella</i> species of Korea, revealing significant discrepancies between historical records and current findings. The discovery of new species and previously un-recorded species underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and reevaluation of fungal biodiversity.