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162
Journal des J.E.C. No. 16., p. 162 – 199, 2014
Cortinarius subgenus Phlegmacium
section Multiformes in Europe
Tor Erik Brandrud1
*, BálinT dima**, GEErT SchmidT-STohn***
FrancESco BEllù****, ToBiaS G. FrøSlEv*****, BErnhard oErTEl******
GünTEr Saar******* & karl Soop*********
received on 19 August 2014
Summary
The taxonomy and phylogeny of sect. Multiformes (Cortinarius, subgen. Phlegmacium) are
presented. The present circumscription of the section is supported by molecular data and mor-
phological features. The taxonomy is complex and many taxa are quite new and little known.
Two new species are described. Altogether ten European species are recognized: C. multiformis,
C. talimultiformis, C. frondosomultiformis sp. nov., C. rufoallutus, C. talus, C. melleicarneus,
C. caesiolamellatus, C. caesiophylloides, C. pallidirimosus and C. armenicorius sp. nov.
The ten recognized species are (i) more or less well-supported phylogenetically, but (ii) with a
fairly low morphological differentiation. The species differs by >1% in ITS DNA from sister taxa,
and each species pair show a morphological differentiation, though in most cases with overlap-
ping characters. For instance, most species have overlapping variation in size and shape of the
spores, and less than half of the species have formerly been recognized in morphological studies.
ZuSammenfaSSung
Es wird die Taxonomie und Phylogenie der Sekt. Multiformes (Cortinarius, Untergattung
Phlegmacium) vorgestellt. Die gegenwärtige Abgrenzung der Sektion wird durch molekulare
Daten und morphologische Eigenschaften gestützt. Die Taxonomie ist kompliziert, und viele
Arten sind ganz neu und wenig bekannt. Zusammen 10 europäische Arten sind anerkannt: C. mul-
tiformis, C. talimultiformis, C. frondosomultiformis sp. nov., C. rufoallutus, C. talus, C. melleo-
carneus, C. caesiolamellatus, C. caesiophylloides, C. pallidirimosus und C. armenicorius sp. nov.
Diese 10 Arten sind (i) phylogenetisch mehr oder wenig gut gesichert, allerdings (ii) morpho-
logisch ziemlich wenig differenziert. Die Arten unterscheiden sich in >1% ihrer ITS-DNA von
den Schwester-Arten, und jedes Arten-Paar zeigt zwar eine morphologische Differenzierung, die
sich aber meist überlappt. So sind die Sporenmaße und die Sporenform der meisten Arten recht
* Tor Erik Brandrud, Norwegian institute for nature research (NINA), Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway;
tor.brandrud@nina.no
** Bálint Dima, Department of Biosciences, Plant Biology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014
Helsinki, Finland; cortinarius1@gmail.com
*** Geert Schmidt-Stohn, Burgstraße 25, D-29553 Bienenbüttel, Germany; geert.schmidt-stohn@t-online.de
**** Francesco Bellù, CP 104, I-39100 Bolzano, Italy; bellu.francesco@rolmail.net
***** Tobias G. Frøslev, Natural History Museum of Denmark, Center for Geogenetics, University of Copenhagen,
Øster Voldgade 5–7, 1350 København K, Denmark; tobias.froeslev@gmail.com
****** Bernhard Oertel, INRES, Universität Bonn, Auf dem Hügel 6, D-53121 Bonn; b.oertel@uni-bonn.de
******* Günter Saar, Dammenmühle 7, D-77933 Lahr-Sulz, saar.guenter@t-online.de
******** Karl Soop, Honorary Research Associate, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Dept. of Cryptogamic
Botany, Djustäppv. 23, S-792 90 Sollerön, Sweden; karl@soop.org
163
ähnlich, und weniger als die Hälfte der hier vorgestellten Arten wurden früher in morphologi-
schen Studien unterschieden.
réSumé
On présente la taxinomie et la phylogénie de la section Multiformes (Cortinarius, sous-genre
Phlegmacium). La délimitation actuelle de la section est étayée par des données moléculaires et
des caractères morphologiques. La taxinomie est compliquée et beaucoup d’espèces sont tout
à fait nouvelles et peu connues. On reconnait en tout 10 espèces européennes : C. multiformis,
C. talimultiformis, C. frondosomultiformis sp. nov., C. rufoallutus, C. talus, C. melleocarneus,
C. caesiolamellatus, C. caesiophylloides, C. pallidirimosus et C. armenicorius sp. nov.
Ces 10 espèces sont (i) plus ou moins bien identiées au plan phylogénétique, toutefois (ii)
assez peu différenciées morphologiquement. Les espèces diffèrent des espèces soeurs à raison
de >1% quant à leur ITS d’ADN, et chaque paire d’espèces présente certes une différenciation
morphologique, mais avec des chevauchements. C’est ainsi que les dimensions et la forme des
spores de la plupart des espèces sont très semblables, et moins de la moitié des espèces présentées
ici étaient autrefois distinguées dans les études morphologiques.
riaSSunto
Viene presentata la tassonomia e la logenetica della sezione Multiformes (Cortinarius, sot-
togenere Phlegmacium). L’attuale distinzione della sezione si basa su dati molecolari e caratte-
ri morfologici. La tassonomia è complicata e molte specie sono completamente nuove e poco
note. Complessivamente sono riconosciute 10 specie europee: C. multiformis, C. talimultiformis,
C. frondosomultiformis sp. nov., C. rufoallutus, C. talus, C. melleocarneus, C. caesiolamellatus,
C. caesiophylloides, C. pallidirimosus and C. armenicorius sp. nov.
Queste 10 specie sono supportate più o meno bene da un punto di vista logenetico (i), ma (ii)
differenziate abbastanza poco da un punto di vista morfologico.
In >1% del loro ITS-DNA, le specie si distinguono dai taxa sorella ed ogni copia di specie per-
mette una differenzazione morfologica, però con frequenti sovrapposizioni. Pertanto, dimensioni
e forma delle spore sono molto simili tra di loro, e meno della metà delle specie qui presentate
venivano in passato distinte attraverso studi morfologici.
reSumen
Presentamos la taxonomía y la logenia de la secc. Multiformes (Cortinarius, subgén.
Phlegmacium). La presente circunscripción de la sección está basada en los resultados molecu-
lares y en las características morfológicas. La taxonomía es compleja por lo que muchos taxones
son totalmente nuevos y poco conocidos. Se describen dos nuevas especies. En total se reconocen
diez especies europeas: C. multiformis, C. talimultiformis, C. frondosomultiformis sp. nov., C.
rufoallutus, C. talus, C. melleicarneus, C. caesiolamellatus, C. caesiophylloides, C. pallidirimo-
sus and C. armenicorius sp. nov.
Las diez especies reconocidas lo son (i) con más o menos buen soporte logenético, pero (ii)
con una diferenciación morfológica bastante baja. Las especies dieren por >1% en ITS DNA de
los taxones más cercanos, y cada par de especies muestra una diferenciación morfológica, aunque
en muchos casos haya una superposición de caracteres. Por ejemplo: muchas especies muestran
una variación en la superposición del tamaño y la forma de las esporas, y sin embargo menos de
la mitad de las especies han sido diferenciadas anteriormente mediante estudios morfológicos.
164
Table 1. Collections used for phylogenetic analysis. Species are presented in alphabetical order.
Species Collector*Locality Herbarium GenBank
C. armenicorius
sp. nov.
KS France, Jura, Prénovel KS-CO1865
(Holotypus)
KM504515
C. armenicorius UP Russia, Sakha, Khangalassky Ulus IB19990590 AF325586
C. caesiolamellatus UL Germany, Thürringen, Thölendorf TUB011841 AY669531
C. caesiolamellatus SSt, TEB Baden-Württemberg, Schwaben,
Ehingen a.d. Donau, Kohlhau
TEB428-10 unpublished
C. caesiolamellatus TEB Norway, Oslo, Grorud,
Steinbruvannet
TEB687-11 unpublished
C. caesiolamellatus TEB Norway, Oslo, Vestfold, Tønsberg TEB278-80 unpublished
C. caesiolamellatus TEB Norway, Sogn & Fjordane, Lærdal TEB213-12 unpublished
C. caesiolamellatus CR Italy, Malga di Nemes Rossi05-08-012 unpublished
C. caesiolamellatus JFA, TN USA, Washington, Olympic pen-
insula
TN09-201 KF732571
C. rufoallutus var. cae-
siolamellatus
AB France, Ain, col des Bérentin PML4905 (Holotypus) KF732414
C. multiformis var. cae-
siophyllus
PML France, Savoie, Arith PML882 (Holotypus) KF732351
C. caesiophylloides TEB Norway, Nord-Trøndelag, Stjørdal,
Beistadvollen
TEB277-09 unpublished
C. caesiophylloides TF Norway, Oppland, Lunner TF2006-112 KF732575
C. caesiophylloides TEB Norway, Buskerud, Ringerike,
Eggemoen northeast
DB-NO-181
TEB720-13
unpublished
C. caesiophylloides KL, TN Finland, ES, Joutsa, Koivuranta TN05-016 (Holotypus) KF732572
C. caesiophylloides IK Finland, Kn, Paltamo IK08-1554 KF732574
C. frondosomultiformis
sp. nov.
GT Italy, South Tyrol, Kaltern east,
Montigglerwald near Eppan
TG2000-218
(Holotypus)
KM504516
C. frondosomultiformis TF, TSJ Italy, South Tyrol, Kaltern west,
Matschatsch (route to Mendelpass)
TF2000-086 unpublished
C. frondosomultiformis AC Italy, South Tyrol, Kaltern west,
Matschatsch (route to Mendelpass)
Bellu07-11-2011 (BOZ
2011/71)
unpublished
C. melleicarneus IK Estonia, Hiiumaa, Sarve, Soonlepa IK01-053 (Holotypus) KF732577
C. melleicarneus ILF Norway, Aust Agder, Grimstad O125960 AY669533
C. multiformis KS Sweden, Dalarna, Revnes KS-CO1974 unpublished
C. multiformis FB Italy, South Tyrol, Sarntal,
Reinswald
Bellu21-09-2011 unpublished
C. multiformis TEB, BD Norway, Oppland, Øystre Slidre,
Reieåsen
DB-NO-33
TEB410-13
unpublished
C. multiformis TEB Norway, Oppland, Vestre Slidre,
Mosåni
TEB186-07 unpublished
C. multiformis TEB, BD Norway, Oppland, Øystre Slidre,
Volbufjorden
DB-NO-37
TEB413-13
unpublished
C. multiformis TN et al. Norway, Hordaland, Voss TN05-247 KF732626
C. multiformis MD Austria, Zillertal MD12-2012 unpublished
C. multiformis AT Sweden, Jämtland, Ragunda,
Bispgården
AT2004187 UDB002163
C. multiformis SSt Austria, Gepatsch-Stausee SSt09-017 unpublished
C. multiformis GT Italy, Corti, Grünbachalm TG1999-231 unpublished
C. multiformis GT Italy, Pochi di Salorno, Val Fredda TG1998-096 unpublished
C. multiformis SSt Sweden, Borgsjö/Jämtgaveln SSt10-068 unpublished
C. multiformis AK Estonia, Võru, Rõuge, Saarlase TU105180 UDB016130
C. multiformis TEB et al. Sweden, Ångermanland,
Häggdånger, Sjö
CFP445 (Neotypus) KF732350
165
Species Collector*Locality Herbarium GenBank
C. multiformis TN et al. Finland, PK, Kitee TN06-139 KF732624
C. pallidirimosus IK Finland, InL, Utsjoki, Kevo IK95-585 (Holotypus) KF732578
C. pallidirimosus IK Finland, PeP, Tervola IK07-692 (H6000925) KF732579
C. pallidirimosus TN, KL Finland, PeP, Rovaniemi TN04-470 KF732580
C. pallidirimosus IK Finland, SoL, Sodankylä IK92-966 KF732581
C. pallidirimosus IK Norway, Troms, Storfjord IK98-711 KF732582
C. rufoallutus CR Italy, South Tyrol, Anterselva Rossi02-08-2006 unpublished
C. rufoallutus TEB, BD Norway, Oppland, Øystre Slidre,
Volbufjorden
DB-NO-38
TEB 415-13
unpublished
C. rufoallutus TEB Norway, Oppland, Øystre Slidre TEB460-11 unpublished
C. rufoallutus PML, JM France, Haute-Savoie, Plateau de
Glières
PML635 (Holotypus) KF732413
C. rufoallutus Sweden, Jämtland, Borgsjö AV01-09-97 KF732639
C. sp. AK Estonia, Hiiu, Pühalepa, Salinõmme TAAM128770 UDB015964
C. sp. Germany TUB019739 unpublished
C. talimultiformis CR Italy, Tovare Male’ Rossi29-08-2002 unpublished
C. talimultiformis SSt Germany, Baden-Württemberg,
Ehingen a.d. Donau
SSt10-188 unpublished
C. talimultiformis GT Italy, Brunico/Amaten TG1999-246 unpublished
C. talimultiformis SSt Germany, Niedersachsen, Ahlsburg/
Dörrigsen
SSt09-040 unpublished
C. aurantionapus var.
similis
PML France, Haute-Savoie, Avernioz PML883 (Holotypus) KF732257
C. talimultiformis AT Sweden, Uppsala, Hässelby Park AT2004096 (Holotypus) UDB001167
C. talimultiformis IK Finland, PH, Virrat H6032747 KF732584
C. talimultiformis Turkey, Trabzon, Macka SES2741 KF732585
C. talimultiformis LA, BD Hungary, Vas, Fels
ő
szölnök DB2831 unpublished
C. talimultiformis KP Estonia, Tartu, Nõo, Vellavere TAAM128693 UDB015959
C. talimultiformis GS Germany, Baden-Württemberg,
Titisee-Neustadt
TUB0118410 AY669532
C. talus USA SAT00-261 FJ717579
C. talus TEB et al. Sweden, Jämtland, Ragunda CFP832 (Neotypus) KF732457
C. talus AK Estonia, Tartu, Vara, Alajõe TU105173 UDB016004
C. pseudotalus JCM France PML4859 (Holotypus) KF732402
C. ochropudorinus AB France, Ain, Meyriat PML2339 (Holotypus) KF732361
C. pseudominor PR France, Ardennes, Bois des Alleux PML4750 (Holotypus) KF732396
C. crenulatus FL France, Allier, Forêt de Tronçais PML4866 (Holotypus) KF732292
C. talus TEB, SSt Sweden, Borgsjö TEB140-10 unpublished
C. talus SSt, TEB Sweden, Borgsjö SSt10-033 unpublished
C. talus Germany TUB019737 unpublished
C. talus TF Denmark, Sealand TF1999-035 unpublished
C. talus KT Hungary, Vas, Farkasfa DB4435 unpublished
C. calochrous (outgroup)
TF Sweden, Skåne TF2001-113 DQ663250
* Abbreviation of names: AB = André Bidaud, AC = A. Cester, AK = Anu Kollom, AT = Andy Taylor, BD, DB = Bálint
Dima, CR = Claudio Rossi, FB = Francesco Bellù, FL = F. Lopez, GS = Günter Saar, GSS = Geert Schmidt-Stohn,
GT = Gianni Turrini, ILF = I-L. Fonneland, IK = Ilkka Kytövuori, JCM = J.-C. Malaval, JFA = Joseph F. Ammirati, JM =
Jacques Melot, KL = Kare Liimatainen, KP = Kai Piirsoo, KT = Katalin Takács, LA = László Albert, MD = Martin Dondl,
PML = Pierre Moënne-Loccoz, PR = Patrick Reumaux, TEB = Tor Erik Brandrud, TF = Tobias G. Frøslev, TM = Thomas
Münzmay, TN = Tuula Niskanen, TSJ = Thomas Stjernegaard Jeppesen, UL = Udo Luhmann, UP = Ursula Peintner.
166
Phylogram: Bálint Dima
Fig. 1 – Maximum likelihood ITS phylogram of Cortinarius sect. Multiformes in Europe calculated
with RAxML. Bootstrap values are given above branches. The bar indicates the number of ex-
pected substitutions per position. For each collection, herbarium number, locality (country), and
GenBank/UNITE accession numbers if existed are provided.
167
Illustration: Marie K. Brandrud
Fig. 2 – Schematic illustration of the morphological, ecological and phylogenetic
afnity among the sect. Multiformes species. Circles: deciduous forest spe-
cies. Squares: coniferous forest species. thick line: preferentially northern
(middle- northern boreal) species. Thin line: more southern species (mainly
S. Scandinavia-C Europe). Green: species with pale yellowish (whitish
to honey brown) pileus. Red: species with vivid ochraceous brown to red
brown pileus. Blue: species with violaceous blue tinges on young lamellae
and stipe. Double line between taxa = sister species with a high morphologi-
cal similarity (overlap in character variation).
168
Introduction
The section Multiformes (Rob. Henry) Moënne-Locc. & Reumaux (Cortinarius, subgen.
Phleg ma cium) is here treated in a strict sense, including species with (i) a more or less abruptly
bulbous stipe, (ii) context with a honey-like smell, (iii) a duplex pileipellis structure and (iv) sub-
amygdaloid-ellipsoid, pale, rather densely verrucose spores. This group, in contrast to the resem-
bling sect. Claricolores treated in Brandrud et al. (2013), consists of a number of little known,
critical species, and its taxonomy has not been well-established. According to morphological tax-
onomy, only two or three species have frequently been distinguished up to now; the ochraceous
(orange-)brown C. multiformis (sometimes also C. allutus or C. rufoallutus) in coniferous forests
and the paler C. talus (= C. ochropallidus, C. multiformis s. Moser) in deciduous forests (cfr. e.g.
Brandrud et al. 1990–2014, JEppESEn et al. 2012, kriEGlSTEinEr & GmindEr 2010, Soop 2011).
MoSEr (1961) distinguished three species in coniferous forests referable to the present C. multi-
formis (C. allutus, C. lundellii and C. subhygrophanicus) and three in deci duous forests referable
to C. talus as applied here (C. multiformis, C. ochropallidus and C. talus).
However, recent and ongoing molecular studies performed by the present authors in the JEC
DNA group, by the Tübingen group (Garnica et al. 2014 in prep.) and by the Helsinki group
(liimaTainEn et al. 2014) have shown that the taxonomy of sect. Multiformes is much more com-
plex than formerly thought. With this new, phylogenetic knowledge, it has become impossible to
maintain the old, wide species concept based on discontinuous morphological variation.
The sect. Multiformes has often been treated in a wider concept, including most phlegmacioid
species with whitish-greyish lamellae and context. For instance, species with a more cylindric-
clavate stipe, a duplex pileipellis and amygdaloid-ellipsoid spores, covering the C. claricolor-C.
cumatilis-C. praestans group (sect. Claricolores) as well as the C. turmalis-C. variegatus group
has been included here (see e.g. Brandrud et al. 1990–2014). However, Garnica et al. (2005,
2014 in prep.) have shown that sect. Claricolores («clade Praestantes») and the C. turmalis-C.
variegatus group are phylogenetically rather dissimilar from sect. Multiformes, especially the for-
mer, which appears to be more closely related to sect. Phlegmacioides and to sect./clade Vulpini
(cfr. also Brandrud et al. 2013). Phylogenetically, sect. Multiformes s. str. as applied here appears
to be a well supported clade (see Garnica et al. 2005; sub nom. clade Alluti).
Species such as C. saporatus and C. corrosus with (i) whitish-greyish lamellae and context, (ii) a
strongly marginate bulbous stipe, (iii) a simplex, thick pileipellis and (iv) and strongly-coarsely or-
mamented citriform-amygdaloid spores have also often been included in (sub)sect. Multiformes (see
e.g. MoSEr 1961, Bidaud et al. 2006), but these are clearly both micromorphologically and phyloge-
netically quite dissimilar from the «true» Multiformes species, and belong to the well-circumscribed
sect. Calochroi (cfr. e.g. FrøSlEv et al. 2007, Garnica et al. 2005).
Material and Methods
The presented species have been studied from various parts of Europe, including documenta-
tions with photographs and descriptions of macro- and micromorphology. The study of macro-
and micromorphology follows Brandrud (1996). For spore measurements, unripe or aberrant
spores are avoided, and only spore deposits (including spores on the stipe/Cortina) are measured.
Spore size variation as shown in spore-scattergrams is based on mean values per basidiome.
One or two basidiomes are measured per collection. For method of spore photos with stacking
techniques, see SchmidT-STohn (2011). A selected set of samples were also used for phylogenetic
studies, combined with already available sequences from the online DNA-sequence depositories
GenBank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gen-bank/) and UNITE (http://unite.ut.ee/).
Laboratory work was organized/performed by some member of the JEC DNA group (Geert
Schmidt-Stohn, Tobias G. Frøslev, Tor Erik Brandrud, Bálint Dima) in the following universi-
169
ties: Greifswald and Senckenberg (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway) and in
the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest (Hungary). Main responsible for the laboratory work
at the University of Greifswald was Martin Unterseher, and at the research centre Senckenberg
(Frankfurt a. M.) Ali Tahir and Marco Thines.
For the DNA extraction and PCR reactions mainly the Phire® Plant Direct PCR Kit (Finnzymes,
Finland) was used, but also other DNA extraction kits were applied (see FrøSlEv et al. 2005, 2007,
cfr. also SchmidT-STohn & OErTEl 2009).
The ITS region of the nrDNA was amplied with the primer pairs ITS1/ITS4, ITS1F/ITS4 or
ITS1F/ITS4B. Majority of PCR products were sequenced by LGC Genomics (Berlin, Germany)
with the same primers used in PCR reactions. The electropherograms were checked, assembled
and edited with the CodonCodeAligner 4.1. (CodonCode Corporation, Centerville, MA, U.S.A).
Sequences produced by the JEC-DNA Group are unpublished; the data are available from the
second author. Alignment was performed by webPRANK (LöyTynoja & Goldman 2010, http://
www.ebi.ac.uk/goldman-srv/webPRANK/). Maximum Likelihood analysis was carried out with
RAxML BlackBox (STamaTakiS et al. 2008, http://embnet.vital-it.ch/raxml-bb/). Cortinarius
calochrous (DQ663250, FrøSlEv et al. 2007) was chosen as outgroup.
Altogether 72 sequences (+ outgroup) were included in our RAxML analysis of which 34 were
generated in this study (Fig. 1). Many of our sequenced collections were, however, excluded from
the analysis due to their insufcient length or quality. Nevertheless, these sequences could be used
for identication using BLAST alogorithm of GenBank and/or UNITE databases.
All collections examined morphologically by us are listed under each species description. The
sequenced collections (own and public databases) are marked (DNA), and those included in the
phylogenetic analysis are marked with an additional asterisk (DNA*).
Section Multiformes – 10 species recognized in Europe
As presented and discussed below, the phylogenetic data provides support for a considerably
number of new, formerly little known taxa in sect. Multiformes. Four of these species are de-
scribed as new in LiimaTainEn et al. (2014), and two in the present study. In some cases, close taxa
are more or less geographically differentiated. For instance in the C. multiformis complex, the
more Northern European, oligotrophic-acidophilous C. multiformis s. str. (= C. lundelli (M. M.
Moser) M. M. Moser) can be distinguished from the apparently more Central-Southern European
C. talimultiformis (= C. aurantionapus var. similis Moënne-Locc.), while showing overlapping
morphological features. The blue gilled species show a similar differentiation; C. caesiophyl-
loides appears to be a predominantly Northern European, middle boreal-northern boreal taxon,
whereas the closely related C. caesiolamellatus seems to be predominantly South Scandinavian-
Central(-South) European, southern boreal-montane.
On re-examination of the morphology of phylogenetic units, it appears that some degree of
morphological differentiation can be found between all taxa, but some taxa will be difcult to
unambiguously identify in the eld or under the microscope. In fact, it is not possible to fully
understand the taxonomy of sect. Multiformes without the aid of molecular characters and phy-
logeny. This is partly due to (i) the low degree of morphological differentiation, with sister species
showing overlap in morphological characters, but also due to (ii) the rarity of some of the taxa.
For instance, C. melleicarneus is hitherto found twice, once in Estonia (2001) and once in south-
ernmost Norway (1994), and C. armenicorius is also found only twice; once in Russia (1999) and
once in French Jura (2008). Cortinarius frondosomultiformis is only found in two sites in N Italy
(2000, 2011). It will probably take more than a lifetime to get good data on the morphological
variation and ecogeographical range of such rarities, and sequence data are thus essential.
This taxonomy of Multiformes is comparable to that of some critical groups of subgenus
Telamonia, where many taxa are well-supported phylogenetically, but with comparatively little
170
morphological differentiation (e.g. sect. Brunnei, NiSkanEn et al. 2009, sect. Bovini niSkanEn et
al. 2013). These seem to represent young groups in active speciation, and introducing molecular
methods has resulted in (more than) a doubling of the number of species. In other groups of sub-
genus Phlegmacium, such as sect. Claricolores (Brandrud et al. 2013), sect. Phlegmacium (cfr.
Brandrud 1996 versus Garnica et al. 2005) and some fulvoid groups (e.g. the Rufoolivacei) of
sect. Calochroi (Brandrud et al. in prep.) the new, molecular data has hardly changed the wide,
well-established morphology-based species concepts formerly applied.
Since the new combined phylogenetic and morphological species concept support the inclu-
sion of a number of morphologically relatively weakly differentiated species that sometimes
might even be difcult to distinguish morphologically, this might be taken as an argument for a
general, narrow morphological species concept. However, the phylogenetic results do not sup-
port the former «splitting taxonomy» which has been perfomed mainly in France. For instance,
Bidaud et al. (2006) included at least 16 species in sect. Multiformes s. str., but these apparently
do not cover more than 4 of the species accepted here. So 75% of the species names applied at
present in sect. Multiformes s. str. in France are synonyms or probable synonyms. For instance,
at least 9 of the species distinguished in Bidaud et al. (2006), appears to be within the rather wide
morphological variation of C. talus.
Morphology and delimitation towards related groups
The species of sect. Multiformes are characterized macromorphologically by a more or less
abruptly bulbous stipe with only little universal veil remnants at the bulb margin. Veil remnants
are sparse also on the pileus, but some thin, silvery white veil hyphae might give the surface a
frosty or marbled-innately brillose pattern on young basidiomes. Cortina remnants are also thin,
often rendering the stipe surface smooth and glossy, initially being whitish(-bluish) and often be-
coming shiny brass brown with age. The pileus is often bicoloured, that is, darker hygrophanous
(water-soaked) in outer part, at least with age and when growing in humid habitats, or the surface
may be pseudohygrophanous, that is with a dense pattern of darker spots at centre and hygropha-
nous streaks or veins towards margin. Some species become radially rugulose-sulcate (wrinkled)
with age due to the cap cuticle structure.
Micromorphologically, the following features are characteristic; (i) a duplex (two-layered)
pileipellis structure including a subcellular hypoderm with tightly cemented elements provided
with golden yellow, parietal, amber-like pigment (usually without spirally-zebra-striped encrusta-
tions), and (ii) the rather pale, amygdaloid-ellipsoid spores with somewhat rounded warts.
The spore ornamentation usually consists of irregular, low, rounded and often conuent warts,
which might appear rather diffuse in the microscope (Figure 3, 12). The spore morphology is
rather uniform in the section, however with some small differences in size and shape that can be
used to more or less distinguish closely related taxa. One «series» of species with rather strictly(-
acutely) amygdaloid spores can be distinguished from species with more broadly ellipsoid spores
(Figure 3, 12). The former group has slightly narrower spores, with average Q-values ranging
from 1.68–1,81, whereas the ones with more broadly ellipsoid spores possess mean Q values of
1.60–1.71. Normally, the strictly amygdaloid spores are paler, with dense ornamentation, whereas
the more ellipsoid spores are darker (more thick-walled) with more coarse, conuent ornamenta-
tion (Figure 1). For instance, the close species pair C. multiformis versus C. talimultiformis can
be distinguished on more broadly ellipsoid, coarsely verrucose spores versus strictly amygdaloid
more densely verrucose and pale spores, respectively. The same applies for C. caesiolamellatus
versus C. caesiophylloides. However, it should be noted that the spore morphology variation
might overlap, for instance, species with mainly ellipsoid spores might sometimes have domi-
nating amygdaloid spores. Mature spores shed to the stipe or in spore deposits should always be
compared for these patterns.
171
According to material seen so far, C. frondosomultiformis have smaller spores than the oth-
ers (7‒8.5 × 4.5‒5 µm versus «standard» Multiformes spores 8‒9.5 × 5‒5.5 µm), and also C.
mellei carneus has slightly smaller spores than the average Multiformes species (8‒8.5 × 4.5‒5
µm) (Figure 3, 12). On the other hand, C. armenicorius, C. pallidirimosus and C. talimultiformis
possess slightly larger spores than average.
Macrochemical reactions vary considerably within the species (dependent on age, weather con-
ditions, etc.) and are regarded as of limited taxonomic value, so is not included here. Chemically,
the section Multiformes taxa are characterized by a strong, bluish uorescent substance (possibly
a sterol). This can be observed on dried specimens under UV light, and is pronounced when tissue
is extracted and run by chromatographical methods (Brandrud 1980).
The sect. Multiformes species share a number of the above mentioned features with the mem-
bers of some other, morphologically resembling taxa, such as sect. Claricolores and the C. tur-
malis-C. variegatus group. Section Claricolores, however, does not belong to the same major
clade as sect. Multiformes, and the species of the former are distinguished by their thick, almost
membranous veil, rendering the stem more or less volvate or repeatedly girdled, and the cap often
with whitish patches when young. Furthermore, the species never possess an abruptly bulbous
stipe, they never smell of honey, and their spores are acutely amygdaloid with little/no ornamen-
tation or much larger (Brandrud et al. 2013). The C. turmalis-C. variegatus group belongs to the
same major clade as the Multiformes group, but is not in a sister relationship, and differs by small,
smooth, very pale brown spores, persistently rather pale lamellae and veil/basal mycelium which
turns pink on exposure to air (cfr. Brandrud et al. 1990–2014).
Molecular phylogeny
A number of taxa appear to be well supported phylogenetically as shown by a study of the bar-
coding marker ITS, with (i) a clear barcoding gap (discontinuous sequence variation) between sis-
ter taxa, including (ii) an average ITS sequence difference between sister species of >1% (<99%
similarity: (6–)8–15 nucleotide differences; see Figure 1). The C. pallidirimosus complex differs
from this pattern; possessing a rather large internal ITS variation of six nucleotide differences
(Figure 1). At least most of this variation is apparently not reected in corresponding morpholog-
ical-ecological variation, and seems to represent infraspecic variation. These variants, however,
needs further study. As stated above, a number of sister species are morphologically very similar,
especially the taxa around C. multiformis. One of the genotypes/OTU’s around C. multiformis
(«C. sp.») with 5–6 ITS differences from C. multiformis is not treated here due to lack of morpho-
logical data. The phylogenetic, morphological and ecogeographical afnities of the ten European
Multiformes species recognized here are summarized in Figure 2.
The circumpolar species C. multiformis and C. talus show 1–2 ITS sequence difference
between European populations and North American populations (data not shown). The many
European specimens of C. talus studied show genetically uniformity, even though the taxon is
rather variable as to spore-morphology and eco-geography (see under C. talus).
The extensive ITS-barcoding analyses performed lately by us and others (see e.g. Garnica et
al. 2003, 2005, 2014 in prep., LiimaTainEn et al. 2014) give a clear support for the delimitation of
the clade/section Multiformes (= clade Alluti) as applied here, but show conicting and not well-
supported results for infrageneric afnity and phylogeny. However, yet unpublished data using
other gene markers (Garnica et al. 2014 in prep., Høiland et al. 2014 in prep.) indicate that sect./
clade Multiformes is most closely related to the sect./clade Scauri and Purpurascentes, as well as
to some smaller clades containing the European taxa C. lustratus, C. pinophilus, C. turmalis, and
C. variegatus. See separate paper on sect. Purpurascentes in present volume of Journ. J.E.C. The
phylogeny of these phlegmacioid groups should be regarded as not yet fully resolved.
172
Taxonomy
Key to the European species of sect. Multiformes
Note: The differentiation in macrocharacters is little or little known between a number of closely related
species. Therefore, microcharacters (spore characters) are emphasized in the key. The often occurring honey-
smell is most pronounced in bulb context.
1 In deciduous forests. Pileus when young pale ochraceous yellow (-honey brown) to almost
whitish (if more ochre brown, then spores small, MV < 8.5 µm) ....................................... 2
1* In coniferous (mainly Picea) forests. Pileus when young darker ochraceous brown-fulvous
to vividly apricot-red brown ................................................................................................ 5
2 Pileus initially silvery-frosty at centre, distinctly innately brillose towards margin; almost
whitish, later (pale) ochraceous yellow; sometimes more ochre brown. Robust species with
a distinct marginate bulb. Smell strong of honey. Spores variable, (7‒)7.5–9.5 × 4.5–5.5
µm; northern, subalpine Betula pubescens populations have small spores (normally <8.5 µm
long). Widespread, mainly under Betula, Fagus, Quercus, Carpinus, Corylus ....... C. talus
2* Pileus not so frosty-innately brillose (if innately brillose, then northern, with slender
stipe, and with larger spores) ............................................................................................... 3
3 Spores relatively large, 9–10(‒10.5) × 5–6 µm, amygdaloid; in northern Fennoscandian (bo-
real/subalpine) mixed Betula pubescens forests. Pileus initially (very) pale and somewhat
innately brillose. Basidiomes slender, bulb indistinct; smell of honey .. C. pallidirimosus
3* Spores small, 7–8.5 × 4–5 µm; in thermophilous Quercus-Corylus-Fagus forests; pileus
weakly innately brillose or not; basidiomes robust, with a distinctly marginate bulb ...... 4
4 Spores narrowly amygdaloid, (7.5‒)8–8.5(‒9) × (4‒)4.5–5 µm; pileus pale honey brown to
more grey brown or esh-coloured; no smell of honey noted. In Quercus-Corylus forests on
calcareous, sandy soil. Very rare (S Norway, Estonia) .............................. C. melleicarneus
4* Spores ellipsoid-subamygdaloid, 7‒8.5(‒9) × 4‒5(‒5.5) µm, with often somewhat coarser,
conuent warts; pileus ochraceous yellow to pale ochraceous brown, smell of honey. In rich
Quercus-Carpinus-Fagus(-Abies) forests. Very rare (N Italy) ....... C. frondosomultiformis
5 Lamellae and stipe (apex) with bluish tinges when young; strong smell of honey ............. 6
5* Without any bluish tinges; honey smell almost absent to (rarely) strong ........................... 7
6 Spores usually ellipsoid and rather strongly and coarsely verrucose, 8–9(–9.5) × 5–6 µm.
Pileus vividly, warm ochraceous brown to red brown, often bicoloured with a dark, hygro-
phanous outer zone. Mainly in S Scandinavia and C Europe ................ C. caesiolamellatus
6* Spores distinctly (acutely) amygdaloid, weakly and densely verrucose, 8.5–9.5(‒10) ×
(4.5–) 5–6 µm. Pileus less vividly coloured (more fulvous-grey brown), rarely bicoloured.
Northern Europe (Fennoscandia) .......................................................... C. caesiophylloides
7 Spores strictly amygdaloid, densely verrucose, (8.5‒)9‒10 × (4.5‒)5–6 mm. Usually ro-
bust, with distinctly marginate bulb. Pileus often silvery-brillose from thin veil remnants.
Honey smell weak or absent. Associated with Picea and Abies, mainly in S Fennoscandia
and C Europe ........................................................................................... C. talimultiformis
7* Spores (broadly) ellipsoid-subamygdaloid, with somewhat coarser (conuent-rounded), dif-
fuse ornaments. Robust or not ............................................................................................. 8
173
8 Pileus strongly apricot-redbrown, with distinct pattern of dark, hygrophanous spots. Spores
ellipsoid-subamygdaloid, 8–9.5 × (4.5–)5–5.5 mm, weakly verrucose to almost smooth.
Subcutis (hypoderm) with some distinctly zebra-striped encrusted hyphae. Honey smell
weak or absent ............................................................................................... C. rufoallutus
8* Pileus ochraceous brown-fulvous brown, usually without a pattern of hygrophanous spots.
Subcutis (almost) without zebra-striped encrusted hyphae ................................................. 9
9 Spores 8–9.5 × (4.5–)5–5.5(–6) mm, ellipsoid-subamygdaloid; basidiomes often slender and
with an indistinct bulb, almost without veil remnants; honey smell weak or absent. Mainly
in Northern Europe. Widespread. Associated with Picea .............................. C. multiformis
9* Spores 9–10 × 5.5–6.5 µm, (broadly) ellipsoid; basidiomes robust, with distinct, white veil
remnants at bulb (and pileus) margin; with a distinct honey smell. Recorded from Picea and
Larix-Betula forests. Very rare (E Siberia, E France) ................................ C. armenicorius
The C. multiformis–C. rufoallutus subclade
Cortinarius multiformis Fr. Figs. 3, 4, 5
Epicr. Syst. Mycol.: 263 (1838).
Type: Sweden, Cortin. Fl. Photogr., CFP 445, herb. S; neotype designated in LiimaTainEn et al. (2014).
Syn.: C. lundellii (M. M. Moser) M. M. Moser, Kleine Kryptogamenora Bd IIb/2: 286 (1967)
Phlegmacium lundellii M. M. Moser, Die Gattung Phlegmacium: 349 (1961)
C. subhygrophanicus (M. M. Moser) M. M. Moser, Kleine Kryptogamenora Bd IIb/2: 286 (1967)
Phlegmacium subhygrophanicus M. M. Moser, Die Gattung Phlegmacium: 349 (1961)
?C. coniferarum (M. M. Moser) Moënne-Locc. & Reumaux, Atlas des Cortinaires III: Fiche 114 (1991)
Phlegmacium multiforme (Fr.) Wünsche var. coniferarum M. M. Moser, Die Gattung Phlegmacium, p. 349
(1961)
?C. herbarum Rob. Henry, Bull. Soc. Mycol. Fr. 67(3): 270–271 (1951)
?C. pseudorugulosus Rob. Henry ex Bidaud & Reumaux, Atlas des Cortinaires XVI: 1096 (2006).
Misapplied name: C. allutus Fr. s. auct.
Icones: Brandrud et al. (1990–2014): A 85 (CFP 445; neotype), Bidaud et al. (2006): Pl. 579 (sub nom.
C. lundellii), MoSEr (1961): Pl. IV (sub nom. C. lundellii, C. subhygrophanicus), Pl. I (sub nom. C. allutus).
kriEGlSTEinEr & GmindEr (2010): p. 141 (sub nom. C. multiformis var. coniferarum).
Pileus: (3‒)4–8 cm, (hemi-)spherical, then plano-convex, viscid, often radially rugulose with
age; often with a dense pattern of hygrophanous spots (centre) or streaks/veins (near margin)
(pseudohygrophanous structure), with age sometimes entire marginal zone hygrophanous, centre
sometimes silvery-micaceous from thin veil remnants when young; rather uniformly (dark) ochra-
ceous yellow, fulvous to almost red brown, often becoming pale ochraceous yellow with age.
Lamellae: crowded, 4–8 mm broad, initially greyish white.
Stipe: 5–12(–14) × 0.8–1.5 cm, usually slender, with a faintly to rather distinctly marginate-
bulbous base (®2.5 cm), often becoming quite non-marginate (almost cylindric) with age; glossy,
white, turning distinctly brass-brown with age. Universal veil near the bulb very sparse, whitish
at bulb margin.
Context: white, somewhat (ochre)greyish hygrophanous-spotted (marbled) towards surface of
stipe (apex). Smell none or faint of honey, at least in bulb when bruised.
Macrochemical reactions: negative or indistinct.
174
Spores: 8–9.5 × (4.5–)5–5.5(–6) mm (MV = 8.8 × 5.3 mm), Q = 1.67, ellipsoid to subamygda-
loid, pale, weakly to distinctly and rather densely to diffusely verrucose, warts irregular to slightly
conuent, rounded, sometimes warts very at and hardly visible in the outline of the spores.
Photo: Geert Schmidt-Stohn
Fig. 3 – Spore morphology of species in the C. multiformis subclade.
175
Spores 2000 : 1.
Photo: Geert Schmidt-Stohn
Fig. 4 – Cortinarius multiformis (Sweden, SSt10-068; +DNA)
Scatter diagram: Geert Schmidt-Stohn
Fig. 5 – Variation in spore size amongst species in the C. multiformis subclade.
Each symbol = MV of spores measured per basidiome.
176
Pileipellis: duplex, at surface of thin, erect-entangled gelatinous, ±hyaline hyphae. Subcutis/
hypodermium subcellular, hyphae tightly cemented, with yellow brown parietal-encrusting pig-
ment, forming an amber-like embedment. Thick, brown walls especially pronounced in corners
between the cells; forming irregular-triangular «lenses», to more diffuse, brown pigments lumps.
More narrow, longer transition hyphae between subcutis with and epicutis with yellow walls, and
sometimes with zebra-striped encrustration.
DNA (ITS) sequence: Fifteen of the European ITS sequences available, including the neo-
type, are identical. How ever, 1 collection shows a minor difference without support. Two North
American (Canadian) collections of C. multiformis differ by 1 nucleotide from the European ones
(data not shown).
Habitat: Boreal (-boreonemoral) and (more rarely) montane-subalpine coniferous forests.
Associated with Picea abies, mainly in oligotrophic-acid, mossy sites, often in large numbers in
young plantations.
Distribution: Frequent and widely distributed in the Nordic boreal spruce forest region
(JEppESEn et al. 2012), including Estonia. Apparently more rare in the montane-subalpine regions
of C Europe, but distribution poorly known due to confusion with C. talimultiformis. So far mate-
rial of C. multiformis s. str. outside Northern Europe documented with ITS sequences only from
the Prealps (N Italy, Austria) and one collection from Spain (see below). Probably also recorded
from France; the plates of C. lundellii and C. herbarum, possibly also C. pseudorugulosus in
Bidaud et al. (2006) apparently depict our species (material not investigated).
Collections examined: NORWAY. Oppland: Øystre Slidre, Reieåsen, TEB 410-13, DB-NO-33
(herb. O) (DNA*). Øystre Slidre, Volbufjorden, TEB 413-13, DB-NO-37 (herb. O) (DNA*). Vestre
Slidre, Mosåni, TEB 186-07 (herb. O) (DNA*). Gjøvik, Biri, K. H. Brandrud & TEB 102-85 (herb.
O). Lunner, S. Oppdalen, TEB 205-77, 277-78 (herb. O). Jevnaker, Sinnerseter, E. Bendiksen & TEB
40-81 (herb. O). Hordaland, Voss, T. Niskanen et al., TN05-247 (herb. H) GenBank No. KF732626
(DNA*). SWEDEN. Ångermanland: Häggdånger, Cortinarius, Flora Photographica, CFP 445 (neoty-
pe, herb. S) (DNA*), CFP 88 (to herb. S). Halland: Mästocka, 9. July 1998, T. Münzmay H.15.98 (herb.
TUB 4848) (DNA). Dalarna: Mora, T. Münzmay 11 Sept. 2007 (herb. TUB 9481) (DNA). Revnes, K.
Soop 18. Sept. 2010, KS-CO1974 (herb. S F189954) (DNA*). Jämtland: Ragunda, TEB 15-93 (herb.
O). Ragunda, Bispgården, A. Taylor, AT2004187 (herb. UPS), UNITE No. UDB002163 (DNA*).
Offerdal, TEB 25-82, 26-82 (herb. O). Medelpad: Borgsjö, CFP 16 (to herb. S), K. Leonardsson &
TEB 47-82 (herb. O). Borgsjö, Jämtgaveln, G. Schmidt-Stohn, SSt10-068 (DNA*). Svartede W of
Sundsvall, TEB 66-82 (herb. O). Norrbotten: Gällivare, K. Høiland & TEB 131-81 (herb. O). ITALY.
South Tyrol: Sarntal, Reinswald, F. Bellù 21. Sept. 2011, Bellu21-09-2011 (herb. BOZ) (DNA*).
Corti, Grünbachalm, G. Turrini, TG1999-231 (herb. BOZ) (DNA*). Valdaora di mezzo/Mitterberg,
G. Turrini, TG2001-098 (herb. Turrini) (DNA). Pochi di Salorno, Val Fredda, G. Turrini, TG1998-096
(herb. Trento) (DNA*). AUSTRIA. Gepatsch Stausee, SSt 09-017, G. Schmidt-Stohn (herb. TUB)
(DNA*), Zillertal, M. Dondl, MD12-2012 (DNA*). SPAIN. J. Ballarà, JB 6591-09 (DNA).
Comments: Cortinarius multiformis is characterized by its vivid and uniformly yellow brown
pileus colour, resembling that of ripe Rubus chamaemorus berries. Furthermore the stipe is ini-
tially shiny white, slender and usually with only a poorly developed marginate bulb, often sitting
in deep moss. The description and plate of C. lundellii in MoSEr (1961) well illustrates this often
slender habit (see also Figure 4). Until recently, C. multiformis has usually been treated collective-
ly, including C. talimultiformis, and possibly also C. armenicorius, C. frondoso multiformis and
C. rufoallutus. These have overlapping morphological variation, but are quite well distinguished
phylogenetically. Cortinarius talimultiformis is normally more robust, with a more distinctly and
persistently marginate bulb, and on average possess a more vividly orange/red brown pileus and
more whitish veil remnants on the pileus. Cortinarius armenicorius is paler, with more veil rem-
177
nants, and a distinct honey-like smell. The often co-occurring Cortinarius rufoallutus is more red
brown, has a coarser, more pronounced hygrophanous spotted pileus surface, and early becomes
brown spotted at stipe surface and in context. Pale forms of C. multiformis can sometimes be dif-
cult to separate from the deciduous forest species C. talus and C. frondo somul tiformis but these
have a silky-micaceous-innately brillose structure of young pilei, and have a stronger smell of
honey. Cortinarius talus has distinctly paler colours than C. multiformis when young and fresh,
but C. frondosomultiformis and C. multiformis apparently might have overlapping colours, but is
distinguished on the habitat (Quercus/Fagus versus Picea association).
The European material available shows a minor variation in ITS sequence. Cortinarius frondo-
somultiformis comes out as sister species in the phylogramm, with 9–10 differences in ITS from
C. multiformis (Figure 1). Another very close genotype («C. sp.» in Figure 1) is distinguished
from C. multiformis by 5–6 nucleotide differences. Due to limited knowledge, this is preliminary
regarded as cryptic species, without a formal, taxonomic recognition.
Cortinarius frondosomultiformis Bellù, Brandrud & Dima sp. nov. Figs. 3, 5-8
MycoBank No. MB809862
Etymology: from latin frondosis and multiformis, meaning „a C. multiformis in frondose forests”
Typus: Italy, South Tyrol, Kaltern east, leg. G. Turrini, TG 2000-218 (herb. BOZ, holotype)
GenBank No. KM504516.
Pileus: 5–7 cm, (hemi-)spherical, then plano-convex, viscid, initially slightly marbled-pseu-
dohygrophanous of a dense pattern of small, darker spots, sometimes larger hygrophanous spots/
streaks near margin, margin often undulate and with a narrow, hygrophanous zone with age;
sometimes slightly innately brillose towards margin when young; ochraceous yellow(-brown),
somewhat paler towards margin and with age. Universal veil remnants sparse, but when young
often with thin, silvery-micaceous-frosty remnants, especially at centre.
Lamellae: crowded, with entire to later often sinuate-dentate margin, initially greyish white.
Stipe: 4–7(–9) × 1–1.5(‒2) cm, robust to sometimes slender, with an usually distinctly mar-
ginate, rather broad bulb (®3 cm), silky-brillose to glossy, initially pure white, turning slightly
brass-brown with age, especially when bruised. Universal veil at the bulb very sparse, white.
Context: white, somewhat (ochre)greyish hygrophanous-spotted (marbled) towards surface of
stipe (apex). Smell distinct of honey in bulb context.
Spores: 7‒8.5(‒9) × 4‒5(‒5,5) mm (MV = 7.9 × 4.6 mm), Q = 1.71, ellipsoid to sub amygdaloid,
pale, distinctly and rather densely to more coarsely, diffusely verrucose, warts rounded and often
conuent.
Pileipellis: duplex, cutis of gelatinous, loosely erect-entangled, hyaline hyphae at surface,
subcutis/hypodermium subcellular, hyphae tightly cemented, with yellow brown to golden yel-
low parietal-encrusting pigment, forming an amber-like embedment. Very thick walls in corners
between the cells forming brown, irregular-triangular “lenses” to more diffuse pigment lumps.
DNA (ITS) sequence: All 3 ITS sequences generated in this study are identical.
Habitat: Nemoral-colline to montane, thermophilous deciduous forests. Apparently associated
mainly with Quercus spp., probably also with Fagus sylvatica, Carpinus betulus, Castanea sativa
and possibly Abies alba, in richer, but not typically calcareous sites.
Distribution: Hitherto known only from a few collections from N Italy (South Tyrol; three
collections, two sites). The absence from Western Europe and temperate parts of Northern Europe
is remarkable: many specimens from this group have been ITS investigated from these regions,
with no match on this one so far.
178
Photo: Gianni Turrini
Fig. 6 – Cortinarius frondosomultiformis Holotype (N Italy, TG2000-218; +DNA)
Photo: Gianni Turrini
Fig. 7 – Cortinarius frondosomultiformis Holotype (N Italy, TG2000-218; +DNA)
179
Photo: Tobias G. Frøslev
Fig. 8 – Cortinarius frondosomultiformis (N Italy, TF 2000-086; +DNA)
(The mossy background is not from the collecting site.)
Collections examined: ITALY. South Tyrol, Kaltern east, Montigglerwald near Eppan (ca.
450–470 m a.s.l.), leg. G. Turrini 22. Oct. 2000, TG 2000-218 (herb. BOZ, holotype) (DNA*);
Kaltern west, Matschatsch (route to Mendelpass), 882 m a.s.l., T. Frøslev & T. S. Jeppesen, TF
2000-086 (herb. C) (DNA*); Matschatsch, leg. A. Cester, det. F. Bellù (as C. talus) 07.11.2011
(herb. BOZ 2011/71) (DNA*).
Comments: Cortinarius frondosomultiformis is characterized by its (i) small spores, (ii) mod-
erately pale ochraceous yellow pileus, (iii) frosty-micaceous appearance of pileus centre, (iv) ro-
bust specimens with a rather distinctly marginate bulb and (v) a distinct honey-like smell. It is fur-
thermore the only species in sect. Multiformes which seems restricted to thermophilous deciduous
forests (with Quercus-Carpinus-Fagus), possibly including Abies alba forests, which often can
harbour frondose forest species. All three collections examined have smaller spores than related
taxa, and if constant, this is an important differential character. The species is macroscopically
intermediate between C. multiformis/C. talimultiformis on the one hand and C. talus on the other;
the pileus is darker than that of C. talus and paler than that of C. multiformis and C. talimultifor-
mis. The frosty-micaceous-marbled surface structure is more pronounced than in C. multiformis
and C. talimultiformis but less than in C. talus. However, the pileus colour (and the parietal pig-
ment of subcutis) when young comes closer to C. multiformis than C. talus, whereas the distinct
smell (honey) and the habitat (Quercus-Fagus forests) comes closer to C. talus. Phylogenetically,
C. frondosomultiformis is most similar to C. multiformis, with 9–10 nucleotide differences.
180
Cortinarius talimultiformis Kytöv., Liimat., Niskanen, A.F.S. Taylor & Sesli Figs. 3, 5, 9
Persoonia: 33 (2014).
Type: Sweden, A. Taylor, AT2004096, herb. UPS, holotype; S, isotype
Syn.: Cortinarius aurantionapus Bidaud & Reumaux var. similis Moënne-Locc., Atlas des Cortinaires
XVI: 1096 (2006).
Misapplied name: C. multiformis Fr. s. auct.
Icones: Bidaud et al. (2006): Pl. 596 (holotype), 597 (both sub nom. C. aurantionapus var. similis).
Pileus: 4–10 cm, (hemi-)spherical, then plano-convex, viscid; uniformly fulvous brown to
more orange brown, and slightly more red brown at centre. Universal veil sparse, but when young
often whitish brillose towards margin, and sometimes also silvery-micaceous at centre.
Lamellae: crowded, initially greyish white.
Photo: Bálint Dima
Fig. 9 – Cortinarius talimultiformis (Hungary, DB2831; +DNA)
Stipe: 4–6(–10) × 1–2 cm, usually robust, with a more or less distinctly marginate bulb (®3.5
cm), glossy-silky, white, turning slightly brass brown with age. Universal veil at the bulb sparse,
sometimes more distinct, white.
Context: white, somewhat (ochre)greyish hygrophanous-spotted (marbled) towards surface
of stipe (apex), sometimes brownish spotted in the bulb. Smell indistinct or faint of honey in the
bulb when cut.
Spores: (8.5‒)9‒10 × (4.5‒)5–6 mm (MV = 9.1 × 5.4 mm), Q = 1.68, (sub)amygdaloid, some-
times acutely amygdaloid, sometimes with a slight suprahilar depression, distinctly and rather
densely verrucose, warts rounded and sometimes conuent.
Pileipellis: duplex, cutis of gelatinous, loosely erect-entangled, hyaline hyphae at surface.
Subcutis/hypodermium subcellular, hyphae tightly cemented, with strong yellow brown parietal-
181
encrusting pigment, forming an amber-like embedment, often with thick, brown irregular-triangu-
lar «lenses» between the cells, grading into more diffuse, brown pigment-lumps.
DNA (ITS) sequence: All 11 ITS sequences included in our analysis (5 generated in this study)
are identical. Although with a somewhat lower bootstrap value in our RAxML analysis (Figure 1),
it is still well-separated phylogenetically from the other species in sect. Multiformes. The study of
LiimaTainEn et al. (2014) also clearly supports the separation of this species.
Habitat: Montane-subalpine and (more rarely) boreal (-boreonemoral) and nemoral conifer-
ous forests. Associated with Picea and Abies, in oligotrophic to richer/calcareous sites, including
young plantations. Very rarely also in mixed broad-leaf forests (with Picea/Abies?).
Distribution: Widely distributed and probably not infrequent in Central Europe, including
The Black Forest region, The Prealps, the Jura and W Hungary (cfr. Bidaud et al. 2006, as C. au-
rantionapus var. similis). Recorded in S Europe southeast to Turkey (LiimaTainEn et al. 2014).
Apparently rarer in N Europe (collections conrmed by ITS sequences only one from Norway,
one from Sweden but several from Finland; LiimaTainEn et al. 2014). Frequency and distribution
uncertain due to confusion with the closely related C. multiformis s. str. and C. rufoallutus.
Collections examined: GERMANY. Baden-Württemberg: Titisee-Neustadt, 9. Sept. 2002,
G. Saar (herb. TUB 011864, GenBank No. AY669532 as «C. allutus») (DNA*); Schwaben,
Ehingen a.d. Donau, 28. Sept. 2010, G. Schmidt-Stohn, SSt 10-188 (herb. TUB) (DNA*).
Niedersachsen: Ahlsburg, Dörrigsen, G. Schmidt-Stohn, SSt 09-040 (herb. TUB) (DNA*).
Bavaria: Bad Hindelang, Oberjoch, 25. Sept. 2007, G. Saar, SG 01722 (herb. TUB 019722)
(DNA); Oberjoch, 2. Oct. 2002, G. Saar, SG 0677 (herb. TUB) (DNA). ITALY. Trentino: Tovare
Malè, val di Sole, 29. Aug. 2002, C. Rossi, det. F. Bellù (as C. allutus) (herb. Rossi29-08-2002;
photo no. 5897) (DNA*). South Tyrol: Pochi di Salorno, Val Fredda, 19. July 1998, G. Turrini, TG
1998-096 (herb. Turrini, as C. allutus; photo no. 754) (DNA). Brunico, Amaten, Montassilone,
Taurerntal, 10. Aug. 1999, G. Turrini, TG 1999-246 (herb. Turrini, as C. multiformis; photo no.
1556) (DNA*). HUNGARY. Vas, Felsőszölnök, L. Albert, B. Dima, DB2831 (herb. BP) (DNA*).
SWEDEN. Uppland: Hässelby near Uppsala, Andy Taylor, AT2004036 (herb. UPS, holoty-
pe; S isotype) (DNA*). FINLAND. Kainuu: Puolanka, T. Niskanen & K. Liimatainen, TN01-
057 (herb. H) (DNA). Pohjois-Häme, Virrat, Killinkoski, 30. Aug. 1966, H6032747 (herb. H),
GenBank No. KF732584 (DNA*).
Comments: Cortinarius talimultiformis is characterized by its comparatively large, rather
strictly amygdaloid spores and vivid and uniformly fulvous-orange brown pileus with ne whit-
ish-silvery brillose veil remnants when young. Furthermore, the stipe is initially shiny white,
short and robust and usually with a distinctly marginate bulb. Until recently, C. multiformis has
usually been treated collectively, including C. talimultiformis and C. multiformis s. str., which
now are documented to be well distinguished phylogenetically. However, these are difcult and
sometimes probably impossible to distinguish morphologically. The somewhat larger and strictly
amygdaloid spores of C. talimultiformis (versus more subamygdaloid-ellipsoid in C. multiformis)
might be the best differential character, but size and probably also shape of the spores can be
overlapping. Also the robust habit, including a rather wide, more or less distinctly marginate bulb
and the initially white veil remnants on pileus of C. talimultiformis will often be distinguishing
towards C. multiformis. Most of these macro-features are well demonstrated in the plates 596, 597
and front cover in Atlas des Cortinaires XVI (Bidaud et al. 2006; as C. auran tionapus var. similis)
and in our photo of sequenced material (Figure 9). Cortinarius talimultiformis occur sometimes
in Picea plantations in nemoral regions (cfr. Figure 9), and might in such areas possibly occur
also in deciduous tree-dominated forests, and our species can then be difcult to distinguish from
C. fron do so multiformis. The latter, however has paler, not so vivid orange-brown pileus colours,
and smaller spores.
182
Cortinarius talimultiformis can also be difcult to distinguish from C. rufoallutus, but the
latter has smaller spores, a hygrophanous-spotted pileus, with zebra-striped encrusted pigment in
pileipellis and pigment that often also goes into the pileus trama, and the latter also becomes more
strongly brass brown spotted on stipe and in the context.
Cortinarius talimultiformis is most closely related to C. multiformis, distinguished by 6 nucle-
otide differences in the ITS regions.
Cortinarius rufoallutus Rob. Henry ex Bidaud & Reumaux Figs. 3, 5, 10, 11
Atlas des Cortinaires XVII: 1095 (2006).
Type: France, leg. P. Moënne-Loccoz & J. Melot, PML 635, herb. PC, holotype.
Syn.: C. rufoallutus Rob. Henry nom. inval., Bull Soc. Mycol. Fr. 74(3): 329–331 (1958)
C. allutus var. rufescens Rob. Henry nom. inval., Bull Soc. Mycol. Fr. 55(1): 66–68 (1939).
Misapplied name: C. aurantiacus M. M. Moser s. auct.
Icones: Bidaud et al. (2006): Pl. 580 (holotype), Soop (2011): Fig. 22.
Pileus: 5–8(‒10) cm, (hemi-)spherical, then plano-convex, viscid-glutinous; usually with dis-
tinct, dense, dark hygrophanous spots and sometimes more elongated streaks near margin, centre
sometimes silvery-micaceous from thin veil remnants when young; rather uniformly dark and
vividly fulvous brown, apricot to almost red brown.
Lamellae: crowded, 4–8 mm broad, initially greyish white.
Stipe: 5–7(–9) × 1–2 cm, with a usually distinct marginate-bulbous base (®3.5 cm); rather
robust/thick-eshed (stipe length/width ratio 3.5–5.5 cm); brillose, whitish, but soon turning
turning strongly, spot-wise brass brown, especially when bruised, entire stipe (dark) brown with
age. Universal veil near the bulb very sparse, initially whitish at bulb margin.
Context: whitish, with with a distinct thin, brown zone beneath pileipellis and in stipe cortex,
also somewhat ochraceous grey hygrophanous-spotted (marbled) towards surface of stipe (apex).
Smell none or faint of honey in bulb when bruised.
Photo: Karl Soop
Fig. 10 – Cortinarius rufoallutus (Sweden, KS CO246; +DNA)
183
Photo: Tor Erik Brandrud
Fig. 11 – Cortinarius rufoallutus (Norway, TEB 460-11; +DNA)
Spores: 8–9.5 × (4.5–)5–5.5 mm (MV = 8.5 × 5.1 mm), Q = 1.68, ellipsoid to subamygdaloid,
pale, weakly to distinctly and rather densely to diffusely verrucose, warts irregular to slightly
conuent, rounded.
Pileipellis: duplex, at surface of thin, erect-entangled gelatinous, ±hyaline hyphae. Subcutis/
hypodermium subcellular, hyphae tightly cemented, with strong, yellow brown parietal-encrust-
ing pigment, forming an amber-like embedment. Very thick walls in corners appear like brown
irregular-triangular «lenses», or as more diffuse, oleiferous, brown pigments lumps. Some more
narrow, long hyphae (4-8 um wide) also with distinct, zebra-striped, encrusted pigment (espe-
cially at surface; transition to epicutis).
DNA (ITS) sequence: All European ITS sequences available (5), including the holotype, are
identical.
Habitat: Boreal (-boreonemoral) and montane-subalpine coniferous forests. Associated with
Picea abies, mainly in oligotrophic-acid, mossy sites, sometimes in young plantations.
Distribution: Rare but widespread in the Nordic boreal spruce forest region (pers. obs., cfr.
Soop 2011). Apparently very rare in the montane-subalpine regions of C Europe but sequenced
material is documented from France (holotype) and from Italy. Distribution poorly known due to
confusion with C. multiformis and C. talimultiformis.
Collections examined: NORWAY. Oppland: Øystre Slidre, Volbufjorden, TEB 415-13, DB-
NO-38 (herb. O) (DNA*). Øystre Slidre, Heggen church, TEB 460-11 (herb. O) (DNA*). Øyer,
Skardsmoen, M. K. Brandrud & TEB 217-11 (herb. O). Lunner, S. Oppdalen, TEB 1-89 (herb. O).
Gran, Øytjernet, E. Bendiksen & TEB 74-80 (herb. O), Buhammeren, TEB 115-79 (herb. O). Gjøvik,
Glæstadtj., K. H. Brandrud & TEB 107-85 (herb. O). Akershus: Nannestad, Hornsjøen, TEB 211-78
(herb. O). Nordmokorset, K. H. Brandrud & TEB 8-86 (herb. O). Oslo: Grorud, TEB 688-11 (herb. O).
184
SWEDEN. Dalarna, K. Soop KS-CO246 (herb. S) (DNA), KS-CO747 (herb. S) (DNA). ITALY. South
Tyrol: Anterselva, leg. C. Rossi 02. Aug. 2006 (herb. Rossi02-08-2006, as C. multiformis) (DNA*).
Comments: Cortinarius rufoallutus is macroscopically fairly characteristic with its robust basidi-
omes, warm, vivid fulvous-orange brown-red brown pileus, usually with distinct, small hygrophanous
spots, and a stipe that turns vividly brass brown. A vivid ochre brown line beneath pileipellis is also
characteristic. The species often co-occur with C. multiformis, but is much rarer. The mentioned features
normally distinguish it from C. multiformis when specimens are young and fresh, but sometimes their
colours might overlap. However, the shape of stipe hardly overlap; being more slender in C. multiformis,
with a length/with ratio of 5.0–9.5, versus 3.5–5.5 in C. rufo allutus. Furthermore, C. rufoallutus can be
separated also microscopically by presence of distinct zebra-striped encrusted hyphae in the transition
between epicutis and subcutis. This feature also distinguishes it from C. talimultiformis, which also
might be vividly apricot-red-brown, but rarely with a hygrophanous-dotted structure. The latter also
often have more veil remnants on pileus. Phylogenetically, C. rufoallutus comes closest to C. talimulti-
formis and C. multiformis, but is well-distinguished from these by 18-20 nucleotide differences.
After introduced by HEnry (1939) as C. allutus var. rufescens nom. inval., this species
has been little known and described. The senior author has since 1978 recognized this one and
collected it as C. multiformis var. rufescens, but has doubted specic rank, due to more or less
continuous morphological variation with C. multiformis s. str. However, most of the taxa treated
as varieties by Scandinavian authors in the 1980–1990ies (cfr. Brandrud et al. 1990–2014) have
later showed to be well-supported species phylogenetically. Nevertheless, the taxon was treated
as a separate species in early versions of «Cortinarius in Sweden» by K. Soop under the name
C. aurantiacus, later changed to C. rufoallutus (Soop 2011). The plate illustrates well the brown-
spotted basidiomes of our species. The name C. rufoallutus, introduced by HEnry (1958), was
validated by Bidaud et al. (2006) and the type material and plate correspond well morphologically
and phylogenetically with our concept.
Cortinarius melleicarneus Kytöv., Liimat., Niskanen & Brandrud Fig. 3
Persoonia: 33 (2014).
Type: Estonia. Hiiumaa: Sarve, Soonlepa, 16 Sep 2001, I. Kytövuori 01-053, herb. H, holotype
Icone: LiimaTainEn et al., Persoonia 33 (2014) (holotype).
Pileus: 4–10 cm broad, hemispherical to convex, with rather persistently incurved margins,
then expanded sometimes somewhat silvery-silky from ne veil remants, cream-coloured, pale
yellow brown, honey brown to more grey brown or esh-coloured, with hygrophanous streaks or
patches/zone towards margin. Hygrophanous zone somewhat darker grey brown, almost with an
olivaceous brown tinge.
Lamellae: crowded, rst pale greyish white, later pale greyish brown.
Stipe: short/robust; 5–7(–9) cm long, 1.2–2 cm thick at apex, 2–3 cm wide at base, clavate or
with a somewhat marginate bulb, white. Universal veil: very sparse at bulb margin, white.
Context: in pileus pale yellow brown, marbled hygrophanous esh-coloured, in stipe white.
Smell: not recorded.
Spores: (7.5‒)8–8.5(‒9) × (4‒)4.5–5 µm, MV = 8.3 × 4.6 µm, Q = 1.81, narrowly (sub)amy g-
daloid, sometimes with a faint suprahilar depression, medium (to fairly strongly), densely to fairly
coarsely verrucose, warts rounded and more or less conuent.
Pileipellis: duplex, at surface of thin, erect-entangled gelatinous, ±hyaline hyphae. Subcutis/
hypoderm subcellular, hyphae tightly cemented, with pale yellowish parietal, amber-like pigment,
a few (more narrow) hyphae with zebra-striped encrusted pigment occur intermixed.
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DNA/ITS sequence: Sequences from the two, known collections are identical (cfr. LiimaTainEn
et al. 2014).
Ecology: With thermophilous deciduous trees (Corylus, Quercus) on calcareous ground, in-
cluding near-shore sandy shell-beds (remnants of sandy soil on both collections).
Distribution: Known from the boreonemoral zone of S Scandinavia-Balticum (Estonia and Norway).
Collection examined: ESTONIA. Hiiumaa: Sarve, 16. Sept. 2001, I. Kytövuori, IK01-053
(herb. H, holotype), GenBank No. KF732577 (DNA*). NORWAY. Aust-Agder, Grimstad, Fevik,
21. Sept. 1994, I-L. Fonneland, det. T. E. Brandrud 86-94, O 125960 (herb. O; sub nom. C. areni-
silvae), GenBank No. AY669533 (DNA*).
Comments: Cortinarius melleicarneus is characterized by robust, short-stiped basidiomes,
honey-brown pileus with initially pale centre, and slightly smaller and narrower spores than related
taxa. It is further characterized by habitat in broad-leaf forests on calcareous ground. Cortinarius
talus resembles in pale pileus colours and habitat, but this usually has an innately brillose pileus
structure, and rarely possess short-stemmed, compact basidiomes. No honey-smell was noted in
the two collections, and the lack of this smell might be a diagnostic character towards the usually
strongly honey-smelling C. talus. In dry conditions, this might resemble the more brillose C.
areni-silvae (Brandrud) Brandrud which also occur in sandy soils, and the Norwegian collection
was originally determined as C. areni-silvae (based on dry material and collectors notes). ITS
sequences of the two C. melleicarneus collections are identical. It differs by 11 nucleotides from
C. talimultiformis, 14 from C. talus, and 15 from C. multiformis.
The C. talus subclade
Cortinarius talus Fr. Figs. 12, 13-15
Epicr. Syst. Mycol.: 263 (1838).
Type: Sweden, Cortin. Fl. Photogr. CFP 832, herb. S; neotype designated in LiimaTainEn et al. (2014).
Syn.: C. ochropallidus Rob. Henry, Bull. Soc. Mycol. Fr. 52(2): 153 (1936)
C. melliolens Jul. Schäffer ex P. D. Orton, Trans. Brit. Mycol. Soc. 43(2): 2010 (1960)
C. ochropudorinus Rob. Henry ex Bidaud & Reumaux, Atlas des Cortinaires XVI: 1097 (2006)
C. crenulatus Rob. Henry ex Bidaud & Reumaux, Atlas des Cortinaires XVI: 1097 (2006)
C. pseudotalus Rob. Henry ex Bidaud & Reumaux, Atlas des Cortinaires XVI: 1098 (2006)
C. aurantionapus Bidaud & Reumaux, Atlas des Cortinaires XVI: 1096 (2006)
C. pudorinus Reumaux, Atlas des Cortinaires XVI: 1098 (2006)
C. pseudominor Rob. Henry ex Reumaux, Atlas des Cortinaires XVI: 1098 (2006).
Misapplied name: C. multiformis Fr. sensu Moser.
Icones: Brandrud et al. (1990–2014): B 47 (CFP 835; neotype). Bidaud et al. (2006): Pl. 601–601 (sub
nom. C. ochropudorinus) 603, 604, 605, 608 (sub nom. C. pseudotalus, C. gregis), 609 (sub nom. C. minor, C.
pseudominor), 610 (sub nom. C. leptocephalus), 611 (sub nom. C. minor), 612 (sub nom. C. ochropallidus).
Pileus: 3–9 cm broad, hemispherical to plano-convex, viscid, centre often silvery-«frosty»
when young due to a thin cover of veil remnants, towards margin initially often very nely in-
nately brillose-marbled or with hygrophanous spots or streaks; ochraceous yellow, sometimes
almost whitish when young, sometimes almost ochraceous brown when young (if the whitish
supercial hyphae are washed away).
Lamellae: crowded, pale greyish white when young.
Stipe: 4–8(–10) x 0.8–1.5 cm, with a (slightly) marginate bulb (→ 2.5 cm), glossy, whitish,
then brass-brown spotted. Universal veil: white, sparse.
Context: whitish. Smell: distinctly to strongly of honey when cut.
186
Photo: Geert Schmidt-Stohn
Fig. 12 – Spore morphology of species in the C. talus and C. pallidirimosus-C. caesio-
lamellatus subclades. Spores 2250:1.
187
Spores: (7–)7.5–9.5 × 4.5–5.5 µm, (MV = 8.25 × 4.95 µm, Q = 1.68), amygdaloid to ellipsoid,
sometimes broadly amygdaloid-ellipsoid, pale, weakly to moderately and rather densely verru-
cose, warts rounded and often somewhat conuent-diffuse.
Pileipellis: duplex, at surface of thin, erect-entangled gelatinous, ±hyaline hyphae. Subcutis/
hypoderm subcellular, hyphae tightly cemented, with (very) pale yellowish parietal, amber-like
pigment.
DNA/ITS sequence: all 11 available sequences from N and S Europe are identical, while one
North American collection differs by 2 nucleotides in the ITS regions (Figure 1).
Habitat: in nemoral to montane/subalpine deciduous forests, sometimes also low alpine-sub-
arctic heaths. In northern and subalpine regions of Scandinavia mainly associated with Betula
pubescens, sometimes with Betula nana; elsewhere associated with Fagus, Quercus, Carpinus,
Corylus and Betula pendula, in rich to oligotrophic forests (very rarely in calcareous sites together
with calciphilous Phlegmacium species).
Distribution: Occasional to rather frequent and widespread in Europe; from northern
Scandinavia to the Mediterranean Sea. Also known from Greenland (KnudSEn & BorGEn 1987;
with Betula pubescens) and from W North America (sequenced material, cfr. Figure 1). Probably
with a wide, circumpolar distribution.
Photo: Tor Erik Brandrud
Fig. 13 – Cortinarius talus (Norway; from northern Betula pubescens forest; TEB 184-78)
Collections examined: NORWAY. Oppland: Vågå, Gjende, TEB 184-78, 105-80 (herb. O).
Hedmark: Åmot, Osdammen, R. Halvorsen & E. Bendiksen 528-80 (herb. O). Buskerud: Hol,
Vikastølen, TEB 174-79 (herb. O). Vestfold: Tønsberg, Slagentangen, TEB 86-82 (herb. O).
Østfold: Råde, Kajalunden, Ø. Weholt & TEB 610-80 (herb. O). Hvaler, Vesterøya, TEB 440-81
(herb. O). SWEDEN. Jämtland: Ragunda, Cortinarius Flora Photographica, CFP 832 (TEB 21-93)
(neotype, herb. S) (DNA*). Undersåker, Välliste, TEB 85-83 (herb. O). Medelpad: Borgsjö, SSt
188
10-033 (DNA*), TEB 139-10 (DNA*), TEB 140-10 (SSt 10-038) (DNA*). Dalarna: Gesunda,
near Mora, 11. Sept. 2007, G. Saar, T. E. Brandrud (herb. TUB) (DNA). Ångermanland: CFP
81, CFP 322 (to herb. S). Norrbotten: Gällivare, K. Høiland & TEB 159-81 (herb. O). Kiruna,
K. Høiland & TEB 191-81 (herb. O). Småland: Femsjö, M. Moser & TEB 140-79 (herb. O).
Scania: Degerberga, TEB 99-88 (herb. O). Ivö, TEB 312-87 (herb. O). DENMARK. Sealand:
TF 1999-035 (herb. C) (DNA*). GERMANY. Baden-Württemberg: Tübingen, 16. Oct. 2001, G.
Saar, SG 0613 (herb. TUB 19713) (DNA). Saarland: Schmelz, 30. Sept. 2001, T. Münzmay, TM
H.32.01 (herb. TUB 011877) (DNA). Thüringen: Schellroda, 12. Oct. 2009, leg. Felix Hampe
FHC010 (DNA). AUSTRIA. Burgenland: St. Margarethen, 2. Oct. 2003, G. Saar (herb. TUB
19737) (DNA). FRANCE. Rhone-Alps: Ain, Ordonnaz, TEB 51-91 (herb. O).
Photo: Geert Schmidt-Stohn
Fig. 14 – Cortinarius talus (Sweden; from northern Betula pubescens forest; SSt10-033;
specimens with dark pileus, illustrating the large, infraspecic variation; +DNA)
Comments: Cortinarius talus is characterized by the pale, marbled-silvery-frosty-innately
brillose pileus, usually strongly honey-like smell and a stipe with rather distinct marginate
bulb. The marbled-frosty appearance of pileus centre when young resembles that of Cortinarius
(Rozites) caperatus, the innately brillose structure towards margin reminds of e.g. C. riederi. The
species is distinguished from C. multiformis by the paler, innately brillose pileus, the stronger
honey smell and the habitat in deciduous forest. Cortinarius frondosomultiformis, also occurring
in (thermophilous) deciduous forests might be more difcult to distinguish; it often possess a mar-
bled-frosty pileus centre, but rarely an innately brillose margin. Furthermore, the colour beneath
the pale, «frosty» surface hyphae is initially darker yellow brown in C. frondosomultiformis than
in C. talus. Cortinarius talus is further distinguished from the northern C. pallidirimosus by the
more robust basidiomes with a more marginate bulb. The C. talus populations of northern Betula
189
pubescens forests have also distinctly smaller and more broadly ellipsoid spores (7‒9 × 4.5‒5.5
µm) than those of C. pallidirimosus (9‒10 × 5.5‒6 µm) (see below).
Scatter diagram: Geert Schmidt-Stohn
Fig. 15 – Variation in spore size of C. talus. Each symbol = MV of spore measures per basidiome.
Northern = middle/northern boreal (subalpine) Betula pubescens populations.
Southern = more southern Fagus-Quercus-Carpinus-Corylus-Betula pendula populations.
The spore size and shape of C. talus shows a larger variation than normally seen in sect.
Multiformes. Whereas species such as C. multiformis and C. rufoallutus has spores with mean val-
ues ranging from approx. 8‒9.5 × 4.75‒5.75 µm, the C. talus mean values ranges from 7.25‒9.7
× 4.4‒5.4 µm (Figure 15). The populations of northern Fennoscandia, from northern/middle bo-
real Betula pubescens forests (or mixed birch-spruce forests) normally possess small and rather
broad spores, with average values ranging from 7.25‒8.75 × 4.5‒5.25 µm (MV = 7.9 × 4.9 µm,
Q = 1.63), whereas the populations of southern boreal-boreonemoral-nemoral-montane Betula
pendula-Fagus-Quercus-Carpinus forests normally haver larger and more narrow spores with
average values of 8–9.5 × 4.5–5.25 µm (MV = 8.6 × 5.0, Q = 1.73). These populations have iden-
tical ITS sequences, but this ecogeographically correlated spore variation might yet reect some
population genetic differentiation, and these variants should be investigated by population genetic
methods (e.g. using RAD sequencing, DavEy & BlaxTEr 2010). Furthermore, this spore size dif-
ferentiation should be better documented by more samples and more measurements. For instance,
it seems that some southern Fagus-Quercus associated C. talus populations included in Bidaud et
al. (2006) possess small and wide spores, especially the C. ochropudorinus and C. pseudominor
variants (with spores 6.5‒8 × (4‒)4.5‒5 µm). Conclusively, for the time being, we have decided
not give these spore variants any taxonomic rank.
Cortinarius talus can be rather variable also in macrocharacters such as size and in pileus col-
190
our; for instance in dry weather the whitish, supercial (veil) hyphae may be more pronounced
than when exposed to moist weather (compare Figure 13 versus 14). These features certainly re-
ect only a habitat-based, phenotypic variation, and are not correlated with genetics or geographi-
cal patters. Based on this variation, C. talus has been splitted in many species, but according to the
morphological variation seen, as well as phylogenetic studies of a number of type specimens (see
LiimaTainEn et al. 2014), we conclude that e.g. at least 9 of the species presented in Bidaud et al.
(2006) are within the variation spectrum of our polymorphous C. talus. The following new taxa
introduced in Bidaud et al. (2006) are furthermore identical in ITS sequences with C. talus, and is
here regarded as synonyms: C. aurantionapus, C. ochropudorinus, C. crenulatus, C. pudorinus,
C. pseudotalus and C. pseudominor (cfr. Figure 1).
The C. pallidirimosus–C. caesiolamellatus subclade
Cortinarius pallidirimosus Kytöv., Liimat. & Niskanen Fig. 12
Persoonia: 33 (2014).
Type: Finland, I. Kytövuori 95-585, H6035694 (herb. H, holotype; NY, isotype.
Icone: LiimaTainEn et al., Persoonia 33 (2014) (holotype).
Pileus: 3–9 cm broad, hemispherical to plano-convex, viscid, very nely innately brillose-
marbled or with hygrophanous streaks; whitish to cream-coloured, centre ochraceous yellow,
becoming more ochraceus brown with age.
Lamellae: crowded, pale greyish white when young, later pale brown.
Stipe: 6–10(–13) × 0.7–1.5 cm, with a clavate to faintly marginate bulb (→ 2.5 cm), whitish,
then very pale brownish. Universal veil: white, sparse. Context: white. Smell: of honey when cut.
Spores: 9–10(‒10.5) × 5–6 µm, (MV = 9.6 × 5.6 µm, Q = 1.72), (sub)amygdaloid, rarely more
ellipsoid, medium strongly and rather densely verrucose, warts rounded and sometimes coales-
cent.
Pileipellis: Epicutis with a gelatinous layer of 1.5–3 µm wide, smooth, colourless hyphae.
Hypoderm well-developed, subcellular, with very pale yellowish parietal, amber-like pigment, or
almost colourless.
DNA/ITS sequence: The C. pallidirimosus complex shows a comparative large sequence vari-
ation. Two sequences, both from Finland (including type material) are identical. Two sequences
are slightly deviating (3 nucleotide differences from the type), whereas one sequence is more dif-
ferent (6 nucleotide differences (cfr. Figure 1).
Habitat: Middle to northern boreal, in rich to oligotrophic mixed forests with Betula pube-
scens and Picea abies or Pinus sylvestris. Probably associated with Betula.
Distribution: So far known from a number of localities in C/N Finland, a couple in C/N
Sweden and one station from N Norway (LiimaTainEn et al. 2014).
Collections examined: FINLAND. Kainuu: Puolanka, Väyrylä, Körölä, 15. Sept. 1997, I.
Kytövuori, IK97-1523, H6035715 (herb. H) (DNA); Perä-Pohjanmaa: Tervola, Louepalo, 23.
Aug. 2007, I. Kytövuori, IK07-692, H6000925 (herb. H) (DNA*). Inari Lappi: Utsjoki, Kevo,
Tsieskula, I. Kytövuori, IK95-540, (herb. H) (DNA).
Comments: The species is not seen fresh by the authors, and the description of macrocharac-
ters is based on LiimaTainEn et al. (2014). Cortinarius pallidirimosus is characterized by the (very)
pale, innately brillose pileus, an almost non-marginate bulb and comparatively large spores. The
slender habit and pale pileus makes it look somewhat like a C. pinophilus, which, however, almost
lacks a gelatinous pileus surface, turns yellowish and is not genetically related. With its pale,
191
marbled-innately brillose pileus, distinct honey-smell and habitat in (mixed) Betula pubescens
forests, the species resembles C. talus. The latter, however is distinguished on (i) the more robust
basidiomes with a more marginate bulb, a ner and often more distinct innately brillose-marbled
structure of of pileus surface, and smaller spores. The C. talus populations found in northern
Fennoscandian birch-spruce forests where C. pallidirimosus occur, have distinctly smaller and
more ellipsoid spores (7‒9 × 4.5‒5.5 µm) than those of C. pallidirimosus (9‒10 × 5‒6 µm).
When mean values per collection is considered, there is hardly any overlap in spore size variation
between C. pallidirimosus and the northern Betula C. talus populations.
Phylogenetically, C. armenicorius is the closest sister species to C. pallidirimosus. It has 8
nucleotide differences in the ITS regions from the type of C. pallidirimosus, but due to some inter-
nal, genetic variation in the latter, the barcoding gap between these two are not large. Cortinarius
armenicorius differs from the latter in a more vividly ochre yellow (-apricot) pileus colour, a
more robust habit and a distinctly marginate bulb with rather thick veil remnants. Cortinarius
pallidirimosus is also rather closely related to C. caesiophylloides (distinguished by 17 nucleotide
differences), but this is easily recognized on bluish tinges on the lamellae and at stipe apex.
Cortinarius pallidirimosus shows a comparatively large ITS sequence variation; two collec-
tions have 3 ITS sequence differences, and one collection shows 6 sequence differences (Figure
1). The former appears to be (micro)morphologically and ecologically quite similar to the type of
C. pallidirimosus, and this ITS variation is thus so far regarded as infraspecic. The latter might
represent a separate taxon, but is not treated further due to limited knowledge on morphology.
Cortinarius pallidirimosus is apparently a northern species in Europe, so far found only in N/C
Finland, N Sweden and N Norway. According to LiimaTainEn et al. (2014), it is associated with
Betula (B. pubescens). However, all nds referred by these authors are from mixed forests includ-
ing conifers, and an association with conifers cannot be ruled out. It seems anyhow that Betula is
the primary associate. Some nds are e.g. from dry, mixed birch-pine forests, and Pinus is a very
rare associate among the Multiformes, and it seems most likely that the species here is associated
with Betula.
Cortinarius armenicorius Soop & Brandrud, sp. nov. Figs. 12, 16
MycoBank No. MB809871
Etymology: from Latin armeniacum and corium, «apricot peel», due to the appearance and colour of
the pileus.
Typus: France, Jura, Prénovel, in Picea forest, 6 Oct. 2008, leg. K. Soop, KS-CO1865 (herb. S
(F251131), holotype).
GenBank No. KM504515.
Pileus: 2.5–4.5 cm, (hemi-)spherical, then plano-convex, viscid, not hygrophanous, glabrous;
rather uniformly warmly apricot yellow to ochraceous yellow, becoming somewhat paler ochra-
ceous yellow with age. Universal veil remnants rather prominent, leaving white, brillose patches
towards margin.
Lamellae: L = 60–70, rather crowded, 3–5 mm broad, initially greyish white, soon pale brown.
Stipe: 3–4.5 × 0.8–1 cm, rather robust, with a rather distinctly (to faintly) marginate bulb (®2
cm), dry; white without any shade of blue, remaining whitish with only weak brownish spots
where bruised. Universal veil white, forming a sheath around the bulb, fairly copious; cortina
white.
Context: white, somewhat (ochre)greyish hygrophanous-spotted (marbled) towards surface of
stipe (apex). Smell strong of honey, especially when cut.
192
Spores: 9–10 × 5.5–6.5 µm, MV = 9.5 × 6.1 µm, Q = 1.58, (broadly) ellipsoid to subamygda-
loid, medium strongly to rather strongly and rather coarsely verrucose, warts rounded and conu-
ent.
Pileipellis: duplex, cutis thin, surface hyphae gelatinous, loosely erect-entangled, hyaline.
Subcutis/hypodermium hyphae tightly cemented, with rather strong, yellow brown parietal-
encrusting pigment, forming an amber-like embedment. Very thick walls between the cells in
corners form distinct, irregular-triangular, brown pigment «lenses», grading into more diffuse,
intracellular pigment lumps. Long and narrow transition hyphae between subcutis and epicutis
with yellow walls (no zebra-striped encrustration observed).
Photo: Karl Soop
Fig. 16 – Cortinarius armenicorius Holotype (E France, KS CO1865; +DNA)
DNA (ITS) sequence: The two ITS sequences available have one nucleotide difference.
Habitat and distribution: So far known from France (Jura) and Russia (Sakha republic,
Siberia). In Siberia reported from Larix gmelinii forest with Betula platyphylla, in the Frence Jura
from Picea abies forest.
Collections examined: FRANCE: Jura, Prénovel, in Picea forest, 6. Oct. 2008, K. Soop, KS-
CO1865 (F251131) (herb. S, holotype) (DNA*). RUSSIA: Sakha republic, Khangalassky Ulus,
Myachei-Sise Mountains, Larix gmelinii forest with Betula platyphylla, 8. Aug. 1999, U. Peintner
IB19990590 (herb. IB), GenBank No. AF325586, UNITE No. UDB001073 (DNA*).
Comments: Cortinarius armenicorius is characterized by its comparatively large, more or less
ellipsoid spores, vivid ochre yellow-apricot yellow pileus colours, the comparatively thick veil
remnants at bulb and pileus margin, and the distinct/strong honey smell. Phylogenetically, this
taxon comes closest to C. pallidirimosus. The two collections of C. armenicorius possess only 8
193
nucleotide differences in ITS regions from the holotype of C. pallidirimosus, however, morpho-
logically, these sister taxa are easily distinguished, C. pallidirimosus being more slender-clavate,
and with a much paler, innately brillose pileus without white veil patches at margin. According
to available material, C. armenicorius is morphologically much more similar to C. talimultiformis
and C. multiformis, but seems to be (i) smaller, (ii) less (pseudo)hygrophanous, (iv) ha ving a
thicker veil, and (v) a stronger honey odour than those taxa. Furthermore, the spores of C. ar-
menicorius are larger and more strongly ornamented than those of C. multiformis, and are more
(broadly) ellipsoid than those of C. talimultiformis.
With one collection from the very little surveyed Eastern Siberia, one might expect this to be
a primarily northeastern Eurasian species. However, the nd from French Jura shows that this is
distributed not only in the northern boreal taiga belt, but also in the coniferous forest belt of the
Jura-Prealps. The collection from the French Jura indicates that this is a coniferous forest species
with an association with Picea abies. The collection from the larch-dominated taiga forest of E
Siberia indicate an association with Larix gmelinii. As association with Larix spp. is hitherto not
documented for Multiformes species. However, also the East Asian Betula platyphylla was pre-
sent at the Siberian site, and an association with northern-eastern Betula species cannot be ruled
out. The sister taxon C. pallidirimosus is apparently mainly associated with northern Betula.
Cortinarius caesiolamellatus (Bidaud) Kytöv., Liimat., Niskanen, Brandrud, Frøslev & A.F.
Taylor Figs. 12, 17, 18
Type: France., P. Moënne-Loccoz 3. Oct. 1993, PML4905, herb. PC, holotype.
Syn.: Cortinarius rufoallutus var. caesiolamellatus Bidaud, Atlas des Cortinaires XVI: 1095 (2006).
Cortinarius multiformis var. caesiophyllus Moënne-Locc., Atlas des Cortinaires XVI: 1095 (2006). Type:
France, P. Moënne-Loccoz 3. June 1988, PML882, herb. PC, holotype.
Icones: Bidaud et al. (2006): pl. 581 (sub nom. C. rufoallutus v. caesiolamellatus), 587 (sub nom.
C. multiformis var. caesiophyllus). Soop (2011): g. 21 (sub nom. C. multiformis var. cyanoallutus ined.).
?kriEGlSTEinEr & GmindEr (2010): p. 81 (sub nom. C. allutus).
Pileus: 4–8 cm, (hemi)spherical, then plano-convex, sometimes radially rugulose towards mar-
gin, viscid, red brown to bluish ochraceous brown, becoming paler ochraceous brown with age;
often bicoloured, outer part hygrophanous and darker (grey) brown.
Lamellae: crowded, edge even to crenulated; 4–7 mm broad, initially pale grey with a bluish
tinge, later pale brown.
Stipe: 4.5–8 (–11) × 1–1.7 cm, with a more or less distinct marginate bulb (→3.5) cm), bril-
lose (not glossy like C. multiformis), whitish, but usually with a bluish tint at apex when (very)
young, often becoming pale brown with age. Universal veil: white, sparse, sometimes viscid (at
bulb margin).
Context: in the pileus whitish, brownish below the cuticle, in the stipe apex with a bluish tint
when (very) young. Smell: distinct of honey when cut, especially in the bulb.
Spores: 8–9(–9.5) × 5–6 µm, MV = 8.6 × 5.3, Q = 1.64, ellipsoid(-ovoid) to more (sub)amyg-
daloid, sometimes broadly ellipsoid, medium strongly (to strongly) verrucose, warts small/dense
to rather coarse and rounded, often somewhat conuent.
Pileipellis: duplex, cutis thin, at surface of 2–3 µm wide, gelatinous, erect-entangled, hyaline
hyphae. Subcutis/hypoderm tightly cemented, subcellular, with yellow brown-golden yellow pa-
rietal pigment, forming an amber-like embedment, some small brown, oleiferous spots present,
and a few, more narrow zebra-striped, encrusted hyphae.
DNA/ITS sequence: Eight of the 9 analysed sequences (including 5 generated here) are identi-
cal, only 1 differs by 1 nucleotide from the others.
194
Photo: Tor Erik Brandrud
Fig. 17 – Cortinarius caesiolamellatus (Germany, TEB 428-10; +DNA)
Scatter diagram: Geert Schmidt-Stohn
Fig. 18 – Variation in spore size of C. caesiolamellatus and C. caesiophylloides.
Each symbol = MV of spores measured per basidiome.
195
Ecology: In boreal-boreonemoral, montane and subalpine coniferous forests, often on rich,
sometimes calcareous ground. In Europe apparently mainly/only under Picea, but in U.S.A. also
found under Pinus.
Distribution: Known mainly from C Europe and from S Fennoscandia, with a few outposts in
SW Europe and N Fennoscandia. Widespread, but more precise distribution is uncertain due to
confusion with C. caesiophylloides and C. multiformis. Also recorded from Washington, U.S.A.
Collections examined: GERMANY. Baden-Württemberg, Schwaben, Ehingen a.d. Donau,
Kohlhau, 28. Sept. 2010, G. Schmidt-Stohn, T. E. Brandrud, TEB 428-10 (herb. O) (DNA*);
Kolhau, 28. Sept. 2010, G. Turrini (herb. Turrini) (DNA); Bockinhofer Holz, leg. K. Soop,
KS-CO1938, (herb S) (DNA). Bavaria: Bad Hindelang, Oberjoch, 4. Oct. 2003, S. Garnica SG
0828 (herb. TUB) (DNA). Saarland: Schmelz, Hüttersdorf, 31. Oct. 2004, K. Montag (herb.
TUB) (DNA). Thürringen: Thölendorf, 11.10.98, U. Luhmann UL 98/122 (herb. TUB 011841),
GenBank No. AY669531 (as “C. allutus”) (DNA*). FRANCE. Herault: Bedarieux, TEB 223-
83, 242-83 (herb. O). ITALY. Trento, Santa Colomba, TEB 315-82 (herb. O). NORWAY. Oslo:
Grorud, Steinbruvannet, 4 Sept. 2011, TEB 687-11 (herb. O) (DNA*). Vestfold, Tønsberg,
TEB 278-80 (DNA*). Sogn & Fjordane: Lærdal, TEB 213-12 (herb. O) (DNA*). Oppland:
Gran, Buhammeren, TEB 116-79 (herb. O). Lunner, Rustad, TEB 478-80 (herb. O). Lunner, S.
Oppdalen , E. Bendiksen 10. Sept. 1978, TEB 72-88 (herb. O). Buskerud, Notodden, TEB 129-
11 (herb. O). Hedmark: Ringsaker, Brumunddal, TEB 171-80 (herb. O). FINLAND. Uusimaa,
Espoo, Kunnarla, I. Kytövuori, IK94-852 (herb. H) (DNA). Perä-Pohjanmaa, Tervola, Peura, XXI
Nordic Myc. Congr., 5. Sept. 2013, H. Lindström, E. Bendiksen, det. I. Kytövuori (herb. O; H).
U.S.A. Washington, Olympic peninsula, Ocean Shore Park, 11. Nov. 2009, J. Ammirati & T.
Niskanen, TN09-201 (herb. H), GenBank No. KF732571 (DNA*).
Comments: Cortinarius caesiolamellatus and C. caesiophylloides are easily distinguished from
related taxa in Multiformes by their initially bluish tinged lamellae and stipe apex. Based on material
seen so far and available descriptions, these two blue-gilled taxa appear to be difcult to distinguish
macromorphologically, but C. caesiolamellatus sees to have warmer, more red brownish pileus colours,
a more pronounced bicoloured pileus with a dark, hygrophanous outer part, and furthermore they differ
in spore characters: C. caesiolamellatus has more ellipsoid, wider and more strongly verrucose spores.
Finally, there seems to be a geographical differentiation in Europe; C. caesiolamellatus apparently be-
ing mainly a C. European taxon including southern parts of N Europe, whereas C. caesiophylloides is
hitherto found only in Northern Europe. However, these taxa seem to be overlapping in morphological
variation, and probably cannot always be identied on morphological features. When all evidence is
taken together (phylogenetically distinct, with <99% similarity + some morphological differentiation),
it seems nevertheless reasonable to treat these as two species. More studies may reveal that these are
possible to distinguish and recognize by macro/ micro morphological characters.
If the bluish tints have faded, C. caesiolamellatus can also be mixed with the conifer associated
C. rufoallutus, C. multiformis and C. talimultiformis. The latter three, however, have less strongly
ornamented spores and possess yellow brown, oleiferous pigment lumps and (C. rufo allutus)
zebra-striped encrusted pigment in the hypodermium.
Cortinarius caesiolamellatus is phylogenetically close to C. caesiophylloides, C. pallidori-
mosus and C. armenicorius, forming one of the two major subclades of sect. Multiformes. The
species was described in Bidaud et al. (2006) both as C. rufoallutus var. caesiolamellatus and
C. multiformis var. caesiophyllus, and their types conform 100% phylogenetically with our spe-
cies (Figure 1, cfr. LiimaTainEn et al. 2014). Bluish variants probably referable to this taxon are
otherwise mentioned by SchäFFEr (1949, sub nom. C. melliolens var. violascens ad. int.) and by
kriEGlSTEinEr & GmindEr (2010, sub nom. C. allutus p.p.).
Cortinarius multiformis variants with bluish lamellae and a distinct honey smell were distinguished
196
by the senior author as a separate taxon already in the late 1970ies, with the working name C. cya-
noallutus (= C. caesiolamellatus). However, due to limited material and the complex variation in
the C. multiformis complex, with only little micromorphological differences, this was never validly
published (but introduced in Soop 2011 as C. multiformis var. cyanoallutus ined.). Bluish carpophores
were not mentioned by MoSEr (1961), but he found that mycelium cultures of C. allutus could develop
bluish colours. When later discussing the matter with M. Moser, he was of the opinion that presence/
absence of bluish pigments were not taxonomic relevant in the C. multiformis-C. allutus group. Then
much later, bluish variants was rst formally published as C. rufoallutus var. caesiolamellatus (= C.
multiformis var. caesiophyllus) by Bidaud et al. (2006), both covering the present C. caesiolamellatus.
Cortinarius caesiophylloides Kytöv., Liimat., Niskanen, Brandrud & Frøslev Figs. 12, 18-20
Persoonia 33 (2014).
Type: Finland. T. Niskanen 05-016, H6029792 (H, holotype).
Icone: LiimaTainEn et al., Persoonia 33 (2014).
Pileus: 4–8 cm broad, (hemi)spherical to plano-convex, viscid, centre with a dense pattern of
small, darker, hygrophanous spots (pseudohygrophanous), towards margin with more elongated
hygrophanous streaks/veins, or hygrophanous (water soaked) in outer zone; ochraceous brown to
more clay brown, possibly also more fulvous brown, hygrophanous part somewhat darker umber
to less vivid (grey) brown, becoming pale ochraceous brown-ochraceous yellow with age, even
whitish ochre at centre.
Lamellae: L = 60–80, crowded, edge even to crenulated; 4–7 mm broad,; initially pale grey
with a bluish tinge, later pale brown.
Stipe: 5–11 cm long, 1–1.5 cm, with a more or less distinct marginate bulb (→3.5 cm), bril-
lose (not glossy like C. multiformis); whitish but usually, with a bluish tint at apex when (very)
young, often becoming pale brown with age. Universal veil: white, sparse, sometimes viscid (at
bulb margin).
Context: white, brownish below the cuticle; slightly bluish at the apex of the stipe when
(very) young. Smell: distinct of honey when cut, especially in the bulb.
Spores: 8.5–9.5(‒10) × (4.5–)5–6 µm, (MV = 9.0 × 5.3 µm) Q = 1.70, (sub)amygdaloid,
sometimes acutely amygdaloid, pale, weakly (to moderately) verrucose, warts dense, and often
rounded-conuent.
Pileipellis: duplex, epicutis with a gelatinous layer with sparse, erect-entangled, 2–3 µm wide,
smooth, hyaline hyphae. Hypoderm present, of fairly thin-walled elements, with pale yellowish
brown amber-like parietal pigment, some hyphae with yellow brown zebra-striped encrustations
present, large yellow brown pigment lumps absent.
DNA (ITS) sequence: All 6 ITS sequences available (including 3 analysed in the present
study) are identical.
Habitat: Boreal coniferous forests, associated mainly or only with Picea abies (one Finnish
collection from dry Pinus forest apparently without Picea; LiimaTainEn et al. 2014). Mainly in
richer low-herb types, sometimes on calcareous ground, once found in a rich sandy pine-spruce
forest (TEB 720-13/DB-NO-181).
Distribution: So far known only from Fennoscandia, with a core area probably in some north-
eastern regions (such as Trøndelag, Jämtland and N/C Finland); rare (known from seven localities).
Collections examined: NORWAY. Nord-Trøndelag: Stjørdal, Beistadvollen, 13 Aug 2009,
TEB 277-09 (herb. O) (DNA*). Buskerud: Ringerike, Eggemoen northeast, TEB 720-13, DB-
NO-181 (herb. O) (DNA*). Oppland: Lunner, TF 2006-112 (herb. C), GenBank No. KF732575
(DNA*). SWEDEN. Jämtland, Bräcke, Bodsjö, Sidsjö, I. Kytövuori 97-697 (herb. H) (DNA).
197
FINLAND. Kainuu: Paltamo, Oikarilankylä, Kivesvaara, I. Kytövuori, IK08-1554, H6032621
(herb. H), GenBank No. KF732574 (DNA*).
Photo: Tor Erik Brandrud
Fig. 19 – Cortinarius caesiophylloides Norway, TEB 277-09; +DNA)
Photo: Tor Erik Brandrud
Fig. 20 – Cortinarius caesiophylloides Norway, TEB 277-09; +DNA)
198
Comments: Cortinarius caesiophylloides is characterized by bluish tinges on the lamellae
and stipe apex when (very) young, and a distinct honey smell in (bulb) context. However, these
features the species share with C. caesiolamellatus, and these taxa may not always be possible to
distinguish morphologically. The spore shape and ornamentation stand out as the best differential
character(s): C. caesiophylloides has more strictly amygdaloid, somewhat narrower spores with
usually dense and pale ornaments, whereas the spores of C. caesiolamellatus usually are more
(broadly) ellipsoid, and with stronger and coarser/more conuent warts. Furthermore, the lat-
ter has a more vivid/warmer red brownish pileus colour, and a dark, hygrophanous outer zone.
Phylogenetically, these are well-supported units, distinguished by 25 nucleotide differences in
ITS regions. Cortinarius caesiophylloides is in fact phylogenetically closer to C. pallidirimosus
(17 nucleotide differences) than to C. caesiolamellatus (Fig. 1, 2).
These two taxa are also differentiated geographically; C. caesiophylloides appears to be a
more northern species, hitherto only found in the boreal zone of Fennoscandia, and mainly in the
northeastern taiga regions, whereas C. caesiolamellatus is more southern, with most nds from S
Fennoscandia and montane C and S Europe. Their habitat preferences seem alike; they both oc-
cur mainly in richer Picea forests. With (i) distinct phylogenetical differentiation (<99% similar-
ity), (ii) a geographical differentiation, and (iii) some morphological differentiation especially the
spore shape, these qualify to the rank of species. Few collections have been studied fresh of these,
and more material could throw light on some more possible macromorphological differences.
The presence of two bluish European Multiformes taxa did not become apparent before ex-
tensive ITS sequencing of the group was performed, and this was published as C. caesiophyl-
loides this year by LiimaTainEn et al. (2014). Without the aid of molecular methods, this rare
C. caesiolamellatus look-a-like would probably not have been discovered. The bluish tinges on
C. caesiolamellatus and C. caesiophylloides soon fade with exposure and age. When bluish tints
are absent they can be mixed with C. multiformis and C. talimultiformis (see comments under
C. caesiolamellatus).
Ackowledgements
Mika Bendiksby and Ingeborg Bjorvand Engh, University of Oslo, Gábor M. Kovács and his
team at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Martin Unterseher, University of Greifswald and
Ali Tahir and Marco Tines (Frankfurt am M.) are thanked for performing analyses on ITS sequenc-
es. The Cortinarius, Flora Photographica team is thanked for cooperation in the study of the spe-
cies, as well as our Norwegian colleagues Egil Bendiksen (NINA), Katriina Bendiksen and Klaus
Høiland (both University of Oslo), our Finnish colleagues Ilkka Kytövuori, Kare Liimatainen and
Tuula Niskanen (University of Helsinki), and, nally our Italian collegaues Gianni Turrini and
Claudio Rossi, who also have contributed with important photos. Klaus Høiland and Sigisfredo
Garnica (University of Tübingen) are thanked for providing insight in yet unpublished molecular/
phylogenetic data. Furthermore, we thank all the mycologists that have provided material for
molecular or morphological study (see Table 1 and collections examined). Finally, we thank the
J.E.C. and its leaders Karl Kob and Oswald Rohner who has supported the work of our JEC-DNA
group in many ways, including nancial support to sequence analyses.
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Eine deutsche oder eine französische Übersetzung wird im Journal des J.E.C. 16/2015 publiziert werden.
Une traduction en allemand ou en français sera publiée dans le journal des J.E.C. 16/2015.
