Some noteworthy taxonomic variations in the complex wood-decayer Ganoderma resinaceum (Basidiomycota) with reference to collections from tropical Africa

Ganoderma resinaceum Boud. is a cosmopolitan wood decay fungus growing as well in temperate as in tropical climates, but most recent descriptions using the modern tools of conventional taxonomy were carried out essentially on specimens collected in the northern hemisphere and rarely from tropical Africa where previous studies were most often based on a very limited number of specimens. A thorough investigation of the thus far largest number of specimens of G. resinaceum collected in several countries of tropical Africa shows some striking variations in the macro- and microscopic features of this species compared to descriptions of specimens from temperate regions. This macro- and micromorphological diversity of tropical specimens of G. resinaceum is described and illustrated in colour for more accuracy in the taxonomy and a better knowledge of this cosmopolitan species.