The basidiomycete genus Favolaschia in New Zealand

Four species of Favolaschia are accepted for New Zealand: F calocera, F pustulosa, and two new species F cyatheae and F austrocyatheae. Favolaschia cyatheae, F austrocyatheae, and F pustulosa are native to New Zealand. Favolaschia calocera, first described from Madagascar, has also been previously reported from New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Italy. We report a wider geographical distribution for this species. Levels of genetic variation between collections suggest that F calocera is paleotropical, native to Madagascar, southern China, and Thailand, with recent (probably human-induced) introductions to Norfolk Island, Kenya, Italy, New Zealand, and Reunion Island. ITS sequences show that the tiny monocotyledon-inhabiting F minima is not a Favolasehia; it is here transferred to Panellus. Taxonomic descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps within New Zealand, and a key to the Favolaschia species known from New Zealand are provided, together with a discussion on past miscitations of the genus Favolaschia and its species.