Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal three new species of Cantharellus within 20 m of one another in western Wisconsin, USA

Abstract

Three new species, Cantharellus phasmatis, Cantharellus flavus and Cantharellus spectaculus, all previously considered Cantharellus cibarius, are described in this study. The circumscription of these three species from C. cibarius and other Cantharellus species is supported by morphological differences and nuclear DNA sequence data (nLSU, ITS, TEF1). All were found under Quercus spp. in a small plot in Hixon Forest Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin, emphasizing the need for further taxonomic study of even common and conspicuous genera in North America. In addition, a review of the current state of C. cibarius sensu lato systematics is presented, including a review of the recent elevation of C. cibarius var. roseocanus to the species rank. Taxonomic descriptions and photographs are provided for the newly described species.