Fomitopsis officinalis (Polyporales): are there any records of the fungus known from Ukraine?

Abstract

Fomitopsis officinalis is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine as an extinct species. According to the data published therein on its former distribution in Ukraine, the species was reported in Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv regions in the first half of the 20th century. However, our analysis of the bibliographic references listed for this species has revealed no records of the fungus in the country. The article provides a brief overview of the published literature sources used as a basis for its red-listing on the national level. Most probably the information on the occurrence of F. officinalis in Ukraine derived from other countries where the fungus, particularly in the past, was most common and its fruit bodies were extensively collected. Since historical data on the occurrence of F. officinalis in Ukraine are highly doubtful, the species should be excluded from the Red Data Book of Ukraine.