The genus Boletopsis (Bankeraceae, Thelephorales) in China

Boletopsis is a genus of the family Bankeraceae with eight accepted species in the world. Species in the genus are ectomycorrhizal fungi and edible. In this study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of this genus, based on ITS and nrLSU sequences, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference, along with morphological observations in the field and under microscopies. Three species of Boletopsis from China were described and illustrated, including two known species, viz., B.macrocarpa and B.tibetana and one new species, namely B.longipes. A global key to the genus is also provided.

The new species can be distinguished from other species of Boletopsis by its pastel brown pileus when mature, slender stipes measuring 5-13 × 2-3 cm, large basidia, measuring 15-36 × 7-15 μm, solitary or gregarious in mixed forests dominated by trees of the families Pinaceae and Fagaceae at a relatively low altitude about 1000-2600 m. Line drawings of microstructures, colour pictures of fresh basidiomata and detailed descriptions of the new and two known Boletopsis species from China are provided. In addition, a key to the accepted species of the genus worldwide is provided.