Seven new species of the Rhodocybe – Clitopilus clade (Entolomataceae, Agaricales) from Northeast China

The Rhodocybe – Clitopilus clade of Entolomataceae exhibits high diversity in Northeast China, yet taxonomic studies on this group remain limited. Based on a field investigation conducted in this region (Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces), combined with morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, nrLSU, rpb 2, and tef 1 - α), seven new species within four genera are proposed: Clitopilus fraxinicola, Lulesia variabilicolor, Rhodocybe jilinensis, R. galericulata, R. eburneolutea, R. subnuciolens, and Rhodophana hongshiensis.

Phylogenetic analyses support the independent taxonomic status of these species within their respective genera. Detailed morphological descriptions, color photographs of basidiomata, and illustrations of microstructures are provided. Additionally, a dichotomous key to the known species of the Rhodocybe – Clitopilus clade in Northeast China is presented.