Hodophilus phaeophyllus complex (Clavariaceae, Agaricales) is defined as new phylogenetic lineage in Europe

The study deals with the last unexplored morphological group of the genus Hodophilus defined by absence of distinct odours, absence of yellow colours and absence of darker dots on the stipe. The phylogenetic reconstruction of the whole genus based on nrITS, nrLSU and RPB2 sequences placed all European members having these morphological characters in a monophyletic group defined here as a new section H. sect. Phaeophylli. The remaining European members of the genus are placed in two additional groups classified as section H. sect. Hodophilus and the new section H. sect. Micacei. Five species are recognised within section Phaeophylli which is typified by H. phaeophyllus that is lecto- and epitypified. Three new species belonging to this section are described: H. carpathicus, H. decurrentior and H. stramineus. Hodophilus decurrentior is the only species showing distinct morphological differences under the microscope. The identification of other species of the section depends mainly on the colour of basidiomata. An updated key to all European members of the genus is provided.