Global polypore diversity and distribution patterns

Polypores play a vital role in various forest ecosystems, yet their global biodiversity and distribution patterns have not been adequately studied. In this study, we compiled a comprehensive checklist of polypores using reliable databases and literature records, and then conducted in-depth analyses. A total of 4,026 polypore species was accepted, belonging to 11 orders, 60 families, and 368 genera within the class Agaricomycetes. Among the 11 orders (60 families), Polyporales (Polyporaceae) and Hymenochaetales (Hymenochaetaceae) have the highest number of species. Among six continents, Asia has the highest species number, while Oceania has the lowest number of species recorded. Although the tropical zone has the highest number of species, the temperate zone contains a greater number of orders, families, and genera. White rot fungi are primarily concentrated in the tropical zone, while brown rot fungi and mycorrhizal fungi are mainly distributed in the temperate zone. Biblio-metric analyses revealed three distinct groups centered around the keywords of “new species” and “phylogenetic analysis”, “activity” and “compound”, and “forest” and “species diversity”. Overall, our preliminary investigation into the species richness and distribution patterns of polypores has laid a solid foundation for resource development and conservation.