Taxonomy and phylogeny of European <i>Gymnopus</i> subsection <i>Levipedes</i> (Basidiomycota, <i>Omphalotaceae</i>)

Abstract

systematic integrity of European Gymnopus subsect. Levipedes is verified based on anatomicmorphological characters with support from DNA sequences of ITS and translation elongation factor 1-alpha genes. Seven species ( G. alpinus , G. aquosus , G. dryophilus – including var. lanipes , G. erythropus , G. fagiphilus , G. hybridus , and G. ocior ) belonging to this subsection are included. We clarify the concepts of G. dryophilus and G. ocior , which were occasionally confused in older literature. Due to unavailability of previously selected neotype of G. dryophilus the substitute neotype specimen is selected. Gymnopus dryophilus var. lanipes is confirmed as a variety; no important differences from nominotypical variability were detected. All discriminative characters used for identification of these species are discussed in detail. An identification key is also provided.