Clark L. Ovrebo

Molecular phylogeny, morphology, pigment chemistry and ecology in Hygrophoraceae (Agaricales)

Molecular phylogenies using 1–4 gene regions and information on ecology, morphology and pigment chemistry were used in a partial revision of the agaric family Hygro- phoraceae. The phylogenetically supported genera we recognize here in the Hygrophoraceae based on these and previous analyses are: Acantholichen, Ampulloclitocybe, Arrhenia, Cantharellula, Cantharocybe, Chromosera, Chrysomphalina, Cora, Corella, Cuphophyllus, Cyphellostereum, Dictyonema, Eonema, Gliophorus, Haasiella, Humidicutis, Hygroaster, Hygrocybe, Hygrophorus, Lichenomphalia, Neohygrocybe, Porpolomopsis and Pseudoarmillariella. A new genus that is sister to Chromosera is described as Gloioxanthomyces. Revisions were made at the ranks of subfamily, tribe, genus, subgenus, section and subsection. We present three new subfamilies, eight tribes (five new), eight subgenera (one new, one new combination and one stat. nov.), 26 sections (five new and three new combinations and two stat. nov.) and 14 subsections (two new, two stat. nov.). Species of Chromosera, Gliophorus, Humidicutis, and Neohygrocybe are often treated within the genus Hygrocybe; we therefore provide valid names in both classification systems. We used a minimalist approach in transferring genera and creating new names and combinations. Consequently, we retain in the Hygrophoraceae the basal cuphophylloid grade comprising the genera Cuphophyllus, Ampulloclitocybe and Cantharocybe, despite weak phylogenetic support. We include Aeruginospora and Semiomphalina in Hygrophoraceae based on morphology though molecular data are lacking. The lower hygrophoroid clade is basal to Hygrophoraceae s.s., comprising the genera Aphroditeola, Macrotyphula, Phyllotopsis, Pleurocybella, Sarcomyxa, Tricholomopsis and Typhula.

New and interesting Russula species from Panamá

Detailed illustrated descriptions are given for Russula panamae sp.nov, Russula aucarum, R. puiggarii and R. venezueliana, all of which are reported for the first time from Panamá. For Russula venezueliana and R. aucarum, it is also the first record since their original description. Taxonomy, systematic position, and related species are discussed for each species. Russula ochrostraminea is probably a synonym of R. venezueliana and section Delicoarchaeae is considered a possible synonym of subsection Lactarioideae or of section Metachromaticae.

A new Cantharocybe from Belize with notes on the type of Cantharocybe gruberi

A new species of Cantharocybe, C. brunneovelutina, is described and illustrated from the Orange Walk District of Belize. The species is characterized by the subvelutinous brown pileus, brownish gray stipe and microscopically by cheilocystidia that have prong-like appendages. Analysis of nLSU rDNA sequences relates this species to Cantharocybe gruberi, the sole member of a previously monotypic genus of uncertain placement. We also provide a microscopic description and illustrations of the type collection of Cantharocybe gruberi and compare the two species. Morphological comparisons among Cantharocybe and its sister genus, Cuphophyllus (= Camarophyllus), and allied genera are discussed.

Sebacina aureomagnifica , a new heterobasidiomycete from the Atlantic Forest of northeast Brazil

Sebacina aureomagnifica is described as a new species based on collections from the Atlantic Forest of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, in northeastern Brazil, and is molecularly attributed to the genus Sebacina based on its ribosomal DNA sequence. A striking feature of this newly described fungus is the production of erect, gelatinous yellow basidiomes growing epigeously.

Neolysurus : a new genus in the Clathraceae

Neolysurus arcipulvinus gen. et sp. nov. from Costa Rica is described and illustrated. The tubular construction of the stipe and arms of this fungus places it in the Lysuroid series of the Clathraceae. It superficially resembles taxa referred to Colus and Lysurus. Neolysurus is unique in having a long stipe, terminating in arms or columns that branch and interconnect to support a cushion-shaped, olive green gleba. The glebal cushion is divided into polygonal compartments by a fine pinkish white, solid mesh. The hymenium is continuous between the mesh. This mesh structure with a continuous hymenium is not found in any other genus of the Clathraceae.

Critic's Choice Essay: Cedar-apple Rust

The photograph on the cover illustrates a phenomenon of nature that can be seen in the Oklahoma springtime at about the same time that the redbuds are in flower and the morels are fruiting. The orange-colored masses represent a stage in the life cycle of cedar-apple rust, Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae, and this stage is occurring on the eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).