Fungi have been used by humans since prehistoric times. Informal structures or groups for knowledge exchange regarding mushrooms and lichens probably existed for ages. Only recently, mycological activities have been structured in formal organizations. And where until a few centuries ago there were only learned societies and naturalists’ clubs, nowadays also mycological societies and citizen scientists have joined the landscape. However, the history of mycological organizations and activities in Europe is difficult to track. Here, we initiated two surveys to characterize the current landscape of mycological organizations focused on fungal diversity across Europe and to collate citizen science activities mapping fungi. The surveys were shared on social media and sent to mycologists in 49 countries in Europe. Responses of the surveys allowed us to present the history, geographical distribution, and structure of mycological organizations in Europe as well as their types of activities, including the publication of journals and magazines, the organization of meetings and educational initiatives, and citizen science projects. In addition to the surveys, local mycologists presented expert knowledge for a more comprehensive overview. Our data show that the mycological landscape in Europe is diverse and heterogeneous. We discuss ways to overcome economic, cultural, and linguistic barriers towards better integration of mycological communities, activities, and data in Europe. Mycological societies focused on studying fungal diversity can be leveraged towards common goals that include raising public awareness, data integration, uniting academics and non-academics, and developing common standards for research and communication.

In this study, we describe two new species of Cortinarius subgen. Telamonia sect. Firmiores: Cortinarius curiosus and C. ferrugineochraceus. Both species are well supported by phylogenetic analyses and are characterized by distinct morphological features. Cortinarius curiosus is resolved within the broader /Alboviolacei clade, forming a strongly supported lineage together with the three European taxa and C. obliquus from USA. Morphologically, C. curiosus can be distinguished from the European C. acutispissipes, C. alboviolaceus, and C. paralbocyaneus by first its silvery-whitish pileus and the strongly ornamented spores. Moreover, differentiation of all these four species of the clade based on spore size and ornamentation has been established as far as possible. In Europe, C. curiosus is associated with evergreen oaks, in the USA with Quercus nigra, which can be called partially evergreen. In addition, these four species are compared with the North American Cortinarius obliquus. The second new species, Cortinarius ferrugineochraceus, is placed within the /Turgidoides clade, where it forms a distinct lineage closely related to, but clearly separable from, C. turgidoides. These two taxa are compared in detail with respect to morphology, molecular characters, and ecological preferences. Cortinarius ferrugineochraceus can easily be recognized by its white, frosty veil covering pileus and the ochraceous orange to ferrugineous colors when young. In contrast, the veil of C. turgidoides is clearly fibrillose and more distinct and the pileus is more leather-brown to ferrugineous colored. Furthermore, the taxonomic status and previously proposed synonyms of C. turgidoides are critically reassessed in light of the phylogenetic evidence presented here.

Tropical greenhouses provide unique environments for studying macrofungi, including lepiotoid taxa. One such enigmatic species, Leucoagaricus brunneolilacinus, was originally described from a subtropical greenhouse in Budapest, Hungary. However, its taxonomic position has remained uncertain due to conflicting classifications of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus. To clarify its placement within the Agaricaceae family, we conducted morphological and multilocus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, RPB2, TEF1-α) using the type and recently collected specimens (including the here designated reference specimen) from greenhouses in Hungary and Austria. Our phylogenetic results reveal that L. brunneolilacinus does not cluster within either Leucoagaricus or Leucocoprinus, but instead forms a well-supported clade within the tribe Agariceae, alongside Pseudolepiota and Xanthagaricus. Based on these findings, we propose Mystagaricus as a new genus to accommodate this distinct lineage, with M. brunneolilacinus as the type species. Morphological traits such as a purplish brown, woolly pileus, dextrinoid and metachromatic basidiospores, and a unique pileus covering structure further support its generic distinctiveness. The species has only been recorded in greenhouses and a few outdoor sites in Europe and North America; its closest phylogenetic relatives originate from the Indo-China region, suggesting a yet undiscovered tropical natural habitat.

Hortiboletus (the former Xerocomus rubellus species complex) is one of the most taxonomically critical and difficult genera for species identification in the family Boletaceae. Here, we provide a detailed morphological and molecular re-assessment of European and Levantine species of Hortiboletus. A new species, H. hershenzoniae, is described from Israel. It is sister to H. engelii and associated with the evergreen oak Quercus calliprinos and potentially also with Q. ithaburensis. Based on the sequence retrieved from INSDC, this species is also found in Lebanon. Accurate morphological descriptions, comprehensive sampling, type studies, biogeography, macro- and microphotographs and a historical overview on the nomenclatural issues surrounding H. rubellus, H. bubalinus, H. engelii, and H. hershenzoniae are given. An epitype collection is designated for H. rubellus. A key is provided for identification of the European and Levantine taxa. In addition, we propose a novel taxonomic combination Hortiboletus flavorubellus, which is conspecific with Boletus rubellus var. flammeus, based on the DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis of type material. Boletus harrisonii is also shown to be conspecific with H. campestris. A multilocus phylogenetic analysis of four markers (ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2) reveals that Hortiboletus is a sister genus to Xerocomellus. Using the Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition method, at least 19 phylogenetic species and eight putative phylogenetic species of the genus Hortiboletus can be delimited. Based on multilocus analysis, it contains from 24 to 25 species-level clades worldwide, 17 out of which represent known species, one newly described and potentially six to seven undescribed species. Tandem repeat insertions within the ITS region (both in ITS1 and ITS2) are reported for the first time, not only in the genus Hortiboletus, but in the entire subfamily Boletoideae. Their identification and characterisation were based on Tandem Repeat Finder analysis and visual assessment of the ITS alignment.

In this study, we describe four species of Cortinarius subgen. Telamonia sect. Bovini as new to science: Cortinarius acutipes , C. cepiformis , C. schistaceus and C. sericeovelatus . We also provide updated descriptions and synonymies for several known species in the section, including C. pachypus (formerly C. terribilis and C. pseudobulbosus ), C. sordescens (neotypified here), C. turgidulus and C. urbis-veteris , as well as for C. hillieri , here supported as a genuine Bovini member. In addition, through DNA sequencing of its holotype, we fix here the interpretation of C. aprinus , the iconic member of a difficult group of large, fleshy, grey brown Telamonia species often referred to as Aprini or Sordescentes . We also update the taxonomy of C. diffractosuavis (sect. Sordescentes ) and C. testaceomicaceus (sect. Exsulares ), to yield a most comprehensive overview of phylogenetically supported “bovinoid” species from deciduous forests on calcareous soils of Europe. The habitat and distribution of all treated species are presented, and a tentative identification key is also proposed.

Dermoloma is traditionally known as a small genus of agarics classified in the family Tricholomataceae. This study implemented a multilocus phylogeny of six DNA regions to recognize phylogenetic species within the genus. The species concept is reinforced by observations of well-defined morphological characters enhanced by long term sampling effort in Europe and North America. Thirty European Dermoloma species are described, including 16 new species from Europe and three from North American. These species are classified into two subgenera morphologically distinguished by spores with positive or negative amyloid reaction. A new genus Neodermoloma is introduced for the Dermoloma-like species N. campestre. Localized or continental-scale species endemicity was confirmed based on studied material, but more inclusive phylogenetic clustering supported a mixture of North American species among the European clades. Of the 22 names validly published from Europe prior to this study, 11 could be assigned to well-defined Dermoloma species recognized here. Of the remaining 11 names, two were considered representing Dermoloma species not recorded since their description, and nine were established as later synonyms of other species. Morphological studies of Dermoloma are challenging due to the relatively low number of characters suitable for identification of species. The majority of morphological characters showed continuous variation with high overlap throughout the genus. For this reason, species identification requires an awareness of morphological variability within species, and multiple distinguishing characters need to be combined, and furthermore, often a barcode sequence is needed for a certain identification. Stable isotope analysis in Dermoloma of δ13C and δ15N revealed an ecological signature similar to known CHEGD fungi, i.e. Clavariaceae and Hygrocybe s.l. This indicates that Dermoloma species are biotrophic but neither ectomycorrhizal nor saprotrophic and may form mutualistic root endophytic associations with vascular plants.

The genus Cortinarius is one of the most diverse ectomycorrhizal lineages of Basidiomycota, yet its diversity in Romania has remained poorly documented. This study presents the first comprehensive checklist of Cortinarius sensu lato in the country, integrating historical records, literature data, field surveys, and molecular data. A total of 231 species is confirmed, including 110 supported by DNA sequence evidence and 121 validated solely based on morphology. Spatial analysis of collection sites highlights two major research hotspots in the Apuseni Mountains and the Transylvanian Basin, reflecting uneven sampling effort. Despite its richness and ecological importance, Romanian Cortinarius remains underrepresented in global sequence repositories. These findings emphasize the need for broader molecular surveys and systematic biodiversity mapping to resolve species boundaries and better integrate Romanian taxa into European and global frameworks. Article history: Received 1 September 2025; Revised 27 November 2025; Accepted 27 November 2025; Available online 20 December 2025

Some Pluteus species of section Pluteus (Pluteaceae, Agaricales) are characterized by greenish-blue tinges on a pileus and/ or stipe which usually indicates the presence of psychoactive tryptamines. In this study, we focused on three taxa of this group with unresolved taxonomy. Based on both molecular and morphological features, Pluteus salicinus var. obscurior is combined as P. cervinus f. obscurior, and P. nigroviridis is placed as conspecific or near to P. salicinus. Pluteus caeruleovirescens is not accepted in the genus as Pluteus and synonymized with Leucoagaricus leucothites. Furthermore, P. izurun, so far known only from its type locality in Spain, is reported from the Czech Republic. Chemical analysis confirmed content of psilocybin, psilocin, baeo-cystin, and aeruginascin in this fungus which makes P. izurun another psychoactive mushroom species in Europe.

Entoloma is one of the largest genera of Agaricales in terms of species diversity and is widespread throughout the world. In the present study, four new species, namely Entoloma brunneofibrillosum, E. humidiphilum, E. ochraceodiscum, and E. colchicum, are introduced as new to science. These species are described based on specimens collected in Cyprus, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Russia, Spain, and Türkiye, including morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Entoloma brunneofibrillosum is recognized by its brown to dark brown pileus with conspicuous dark, radial fibrils, a pale brown stipe with glistening fibrils, and usually fusiform to broadly clavate cheilocystidia. It belongs to the /Undulatosporum clade. Entoloma humidiphilum (subg. Alboleptonia) is close to E. niveum from New Zealand but differs by a completely pruinose or minutely squamulose pileus surface, narrowly cylindrical to cylindrical pileipellis elements with a deep median constriction, and by occurring in riparian habitats. Entoloma ochraceodiscum is characterized by funnel-shaped basidiomata with a deeply depressed yellowish-brown pileus and belongs to the section Griseorubida. Entoloma colchicum (subg. Nolanea) is similar to E. ortonii but differs by its distinctive radially fibrillose or velutinous pileus and the absence of odour. The new species are presented with photographs, line drawings, and comparisons with similar taxa.

Numerous collections made in deciduous and evergreen oak woodlands of Europe allowed us to re-evaluate, both morphologically and molecularly, the systematic position and taxonomic boundaries of Cortinarius chevassutii f. personatus. This infraspecific taxon and Cortinarius chevassutii share the same ecological niche, an identical distribution pattern, and can even co-occur in the same spot, making their distinction quite challenging, morphologically. However, the phylogenetic analysis of our broad dataset supports two reproductively isolated taxa that both deserve the rank of species. According to recent findings, Cortinarius pseudobulliardioides is the name to apply to the former C. chevassutii f. personatus. Based on present knowledge, spore size and average length/width ratio represents the most reliable diagnostic criterion to separate the two species. Additionally, through next generation sequencing (Illumina) of its holotype, we here reveal the phylogenetic position of Cortinarius variebulbus within the same sect. Crassispori. Recent phylogenetically confirmed collections of this species allow us to document and illustrate this taxon for the first time.

In this 10th contribution to the Fungal Systematics and Evolution series published by Sydowia, 14 species are formally described: Amanita cingulatoides from Canada, A. confundens, A. elongatior, A. fusca, A. fuscozonata, A. leptorhacopus, A. magna, A. olivaceodisca, A. piceina, A. pulla, and A. quercifulva from Canada and the USA, Hebeloma uzunii from T & uuml;rkiye, Pleurotus overstrandensis from South Africa, and Saksenaea ozerskayae from Russia. Pluteus keselakii is reported for the first time from Czechia and Slovenia. Three invalidly published names are validated with corrected typification: Cortinarius balteatoindicus, C. indopurpurascens, and C. ulkhagarhiensis. Finally, Thaxterogaster shoreae is combined into Cortinarius.

Palla B., Dima B. & Papp V. (2024) Diversity and ecological evaluation of Chroogomphus species in Hungary. - Sydowia 76: 243-262. As a result of recent extensive molecular investigations unravelling the European diversity of the genus Chroogomphus, the regional species composition became an impending question to resolve. In Hungary, this genus has previously been examined only based on morphological characteristics, from which data were known for the species Chroogomphus rutilus and Chroogomphus helveticus. Therefore, in the present study, in addition to thorough morphological examinations, we also conducted molecular genetic analyses. Our phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS region of Hungarian Chroogomphus collections verified the presence of four Chroogomphus species from the country: C. rutilus, C. mediterraneus, C. helveticus and C. subfulmineus, from mostly the naturalised range of their Pinus hosts. The ecological context of these occurrences in Hungarian Pinus plantations are evaluated based on bioclimatic, edaphic and forestry data. As additional support for species delimitation and morphological based identification, some novel morphological characters and the revision of former traits are also presented, in order to facili- tate further research on the regional species composition and ecological connections of European Chroogomphus species.

Within the family Amylocorticiaceae , conspicuous morphological affinities exist among the previously defined species Irpicodon pendulus , Plicaturopsis crispa and Plicatura nivea . With the aid of macro- and micro-morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence based on 3-gene datasets, a comprehensive reassessment of generic boundaries within these taxa was conducted. Upon reviewing the systematic position of the taxa included, the three genera emerged as a well-defined monophyletic clade. Based on the genetic divergence observed, coupled with the robust support for monophyly, similarities in ecological roles, and congruence in macro- and micromorphological characteristics, we suggest a revised genus concept that synonymizes Irpicodon (as well as Plicaturopsis ) with the earliest established genus Plicatura .

European members of the species-rich sect. Vaginatae of the genus Amanita are studied focusing on Central (Austria, Hungary, N Italy and Romania), Western (France) and North European (Norway) collections. The combination of a 4-locus (nrDNA ITS, nrDNA LSU, RPB1 and TEF1-α) molecular phylogenetic analysis and a morphological approach resulted in the discovery of three new species: Amanita deflexa and A. griseofulva from stirps Fulva and A. opaca from stirps Coryli. Furthermore, the albinotic white forms of A. griseofulva (f. albida) and A. opaca (f. cettoi) are formally named. As a result of the comprehensive taxonomic revision of Amanita sect. Vaginatae, 370 newly generated sequences are deposited to GenBank, and 17 species new to Hungary are reported. This study provides another step towards understanding the taxonomy and diversity of Amanita section Vaginatae in Europe.

Traditional strict separation of fungi into ecological niches as mutualist, parasite or saprotroph is increasingly called into question. Sequences of assumed saprotrophs have been amplified from plant root interiors, and several saprotrophic genera can invade and interact with host plants in laboratory growth experiments. However, it is uncertain if root invasion by saprotrophic fungi is a widespread phenomenon and if laboratory interactions mirror field conditions. Here, we focused on the widespread and speciose saprotrophic genus Mycena and performed (1) a systematic survey of their occurrences (in ITS1/ITS2 datasets) in mycorrhizal roots of 10 plant species, and (2) an analysis of natural abundances of 13 C/15 N stable isotope signatures of Mycena basidiocarps from five field locations to examine their trophic status. We found that Mycena was the only saprotrophic genus consistently found in 9 out of 10 plant host roots, with no indication that the host roots were senescent or otherwise vulnerable. Furthermore, Mycena basidiocarps displayed isotopic signatures consistent with published 13 C/15 N profiles of both saprotrophic and mutualistic lifestyles, supporting earlier laboratory-based studies. We argue that Mycena are widespread latent invaders of healthy plant roots and that Mycena species may form a spectrum of interactions besides saprotrophy also in the field.

Some results from the Inocybe(-Conocybe) workshops at Dombås 2021-2022 are presented, with emphasis on the 2021 Inocyberesults, based on extensive ITS-DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Among the 60 Inocybe s. lat. species sequence-verified in 2021, 30 were new to Norway. Most species were found in subalpine tall-herb Betula forests and calcareous low alpine Betulanana-Salix thickets, and more than half of the species are believed to be preferentially alpine-subalpine taxa.