Disentangling a Complex of Violet, Endangered Species of Clavaria Subsumed Under the Misapplied Name Clavaria zollingeri Lév. (Clavariaceae, Fungi)

Abstract

The name Clavaria zollingeri Lév. is currently applied to striking violet species producing branched basidiomata and lacking clamp connections, two typical characteristics of the genus Clavaria Pers. Interestingly, as currently interpreted, C. zollingeri has been globally assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and is red-listed in several European countries. However, the type material of C. zollingeri, examined here, possesses clamp connections and should be referred to the genus Clavulinopsis Van Overeem. Thus, the name C. zollingeri is being misapplied. Based on the taxonomic revision of the specimens, along with morphological and molecular studies of the nrDNA ITS-LSU regions, three species differing in spore characters, basidial size and distribution are recognized. After our nomenclatural revision we conclude that one of the species should be named Clavaria amethystina (Holmsk.) Bull., characterized by ellipsoid spores and distribution in the Northern Hemisphere; the second C. lilacina Jungh., with subglobose spores and present in Eastern Asia and Oceania; whereas the third, also with subglobose spores and distributed in Europe and North America, is newly described as C. violaceopulchra. Clavaria orientalis is proposed to be a later synonym of C. lilacina. Nine type specimens were examined, the name C. amethystina is typified and the combination of C. zollingeri in Clavulinopsis is proposed.