Detecting the variability of Hydnum ovoideisporum (Agaricomycetes, Cantharellales) on the basis of Italian collections, and H. magnorufescens sp. nov.

Abstract

Hydnum ovoideisporum is a species of the Hydnum rufescens complex recently described from Spain, and characterized by having a pileus with deep orange tones, ovoid to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores, and growing in Mediterranean areas on calcareous soil. In this paper, four South Italian collections found under Quercus and traditionally determined as H. rufescens, were analyzed on the basis of morphological and molecular (ITS) data; three of them were proven to be conspecific with H. ovoideisporum even though they differ from the type by globose to subglobose spores, and one has a smooth hymenophore. H. ovoideisporum f. depauperatum f. nov. is established for accommodating specimens with a smooth hymenophoral surface. Finally, H. magnorufescens sp. nov. is established for a collection with large basidiomes without strong orange-reddish tinges, and with globose to subglobose spores.