SignificanceIdentifying and explaining regional differences in tropical forest dynamics, structure, diversity, and composition are critical for anticipating region-specific responses to global environmental change. Floristic classifications are of fundamental importance for these efforts. Here we provide a global tropical forest classification that is explicitly based on community evolutionary similarity, resulting in identification of five major tropical forest regions and their relationships: (i) Indo-Pacific, (ii) Subtropical, (iii) African, (iv) American, and (v) Dry forests. African and American forests are grouped, reflecting their former western Gondwanan connection, while Indo-Pacific forests range from eastern Africa and Madagascar to Australia and the Pacific. The connection between northern-hemisphere Asian and American forests is confirmed, while Dry forests are identified as a single tropical biome.

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Macrofungi is one of bio-medicinal sources containing various bioactive compounds, such as β-glucans, which are scientifically proven as immunity booster against coronavirus, including Covid-19. Lawu Mountain Forest has been reported as one of the macro fungi-rich ecosystems in Java. Due to its unique geography, each side of the mountain has a different climate with the southern slope is typically more suitable for various species of mushroom to grow. The aims of this study were to assess fungal diversity in the southern slope of Lawu Mountain Forest, and to ascertain their potential uses for medicinal purpose, particularly for boosting immunity against Covid-19. Cruise method was used to identify macroscopic fungi collected along the hiking trail of Lawu Mountain Forest at the elevation ranges of 1800- 3100 m asl. Their morphological characteristics, including color, diameter, veil surface, lamella (ring and pore, type of lamella, and volva), stem shape, length and diameter, were observed. The study found 46 species from 15 families of macrofungi. Seven species potentially containing bioactive compounds as immunomodulator for boosting immunity were Auricularia auricula, Cerrena unicolor, Lentinus edodes, Pleuretus ostreatus, Stereum hirsutum, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor.