Unravelling the Entoloma politum complex

Abstract

<p><i>Entoloma politum</i> is a common lowland species in northern Europe. It has been described to have two close species with a more intense smell,<i> E. nitriolens</i> and <i>E. pernitrosum</i>. To clarify the taxonomy of these three species, the types of <i>E. nitriolens</i> and <i>E. pernitrosum</i>, as well as many recent collections were examined by ITS sequences and morphologically. <i>Entoloma nitriolens</i> was found to be a sibling species of <i>E. politum</i>, whereas <i>E. pernitrosum</i> was confirmed as a synonym of <i>E. politum</i>. <i>Entoloma nitriolens</i> and <i>E. politum</i> are described based on own material. They grow in similar habitats, but<i> E. nitriolens</i> prefers colder climates and calcareous ground.<br></p>