Laura Ximena Castillo-Balaguera

Laura Ximena Castillo-Balaguera


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 March 2026 in Taxonomy
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LCLaura Ximena Castillo-Balaguera
Laura Ximena Castillo-Balaguera
María Paula Herrera SánchezMaría Paula Herrera Sánchez
María Paula Herrera Sánchez
LDLINA ROCIO DAVILA
LINA ROCIO DAVILA
WAWalter Murillo Arango
Walter Murillo Arango
Iang Schroniltgen Rondon BarraganIang Schroniltgen Rondon Barragan
Iang Schroniltgen Rondon Barragan
CFCristian Javier Zambrano Forero
Cristian Javier Zambrano Forero
The genus Auricularia holds significant ecological importance due to its role in wood decaying and notable economic value as both an edible and medicinal resource. This study investigates the diversity of Auricularia species in Colombian Andes using an integrative approach. Species identification was based on macromorphological and micromorphological characteristics, alongside molecular analyses employing ITS and LSU markers. A total of 184 sequences of 81 specimens and 30 species were used to construct a phylogenetic tree including RPB2 marker sequences taken from GenBank. The results revealed six Auricularia species in the Colombian Andes: A. subglabra, A. cornea, A. fuscosuccinea, A. nigricans, A. brasiliana, and the newly described A. ibaguensis. This study provides morphological descriptions, distribution records, and interspecific distinctions, aligning these taxa with four out of the five recognized Auricularia species complexes. Novel sequences deposited in GenBank enhance taxonomic resolution, particularly within the A. cornea complex. These findings contribute new insights into the taxonomy of Auricularia in the Colombian Andes and emphasize the need for further research on Neotropical species, which may show significant differences from taxa in other biogeographic regions.