Unveiling the hidden diversity of <italic>Ganoderma</italic> (Ganodermataceae, Polyporales) in Sri Lanka: the first report of <italic>G</italic>. <italic>angustisporum</italic>, <italic>G</italic>. <italic>ellipsoideum</italic>, and <italic>G</italic>. <italic>orbiforme</italic>.

The genus <italic>Ganoderma</italic> holds profound importance in traditional medicine and modern scientific research. It is renowned for its medicinal properties and ecological significance, particularly in East Asian cultures, which have been revered for centuries. This mushroom has garnered significant attention in recent decades due to its ethnomedicinal use. The importance of <italic>Ganoderma</italic> genus in traditional medicine and scientific research cannot be overstated. Furthermore, extensive research has been conducted worldwide on the taxonomy and nomenclature of this fungus, although it remains controversial. However, research into the diversity and characterisation of <italic>Ganoderma</italic> species in Sri Lanka has been relatively limited, and the species diversity of <italic>Ganoderma</italic> is still not well known. Hence, we collected and identified <italic>Ganoderma</italic> species in the Sabaragamuwa and Western Provinces, Sri Lanka, aiming to increase research interest in this important mushroom genus. The collected specimens were identified based on comprehensive morphological analyses and rDNA-ITS sequence-based phylogeny. Three <italic>Ganoderma</italic> species, <italic>Ganoderma angustisporum</italic> J.H. Xing, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, <italic>G. ellipsoideum</italic> Hapuar., T.C. Wen & K.D. Hyde, and <italic>G. orbiforme</italic> (Fr.) Ryvarden were identified in Sri Lanka for the first time. Additionally, a fungicolous strain of <italic>Trichoderma atroviride</italic> P. Karst. associated with the basidiocarps of <italic>G. angustisporum</italic> was identified for the first time<italic>.</italic> [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]