The genus <i>Volvariella</i> from southwestern China

In this study, morphological characteristics, ecological features, and phylogenetic analyses based on nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), partial nuc rDNA 28S (28S), and the translation elongation factor 1-α (<i>TEF1</i>) were employed to investigate the species diversity of the genus <i>Volvariella</i> in southwestern China. Eight species are recognized, among which are five known species, namely, <i>V. bombycina, V. hypopithys, V. morozovae, V. pulla</i>, and <i>V. volvacea</i>, and three new species described here, namely, <i>V. parvirimosa, V. pilosa</i>, and <i>V. rimosa. Volvariella pulla</i> represents a species new to China. For species delimitation, the size of the basidiomes, the morphology of the pileus, the size of basidiospores, and the morphology of hymenial cystidia are informative. Taxonomic descriptions of the new species are presented, and a key to the eight species from southwestern China is provided.