Two new species of Gymnopus sect. Levipedes (Omphalotaceae, Agaricales) from Central and North China

The genus <i>Gymnopus</i> has a long research history and is known for its high species diversity worldwide. However, its species diversity in China remains poorly understood. Through a combination of detailed morphological studies and phylogenetic analysis, this study described two new species from Northeast and Central China, <i>Gymnopusbiyangensis</i> and <i>Gymnopussinodryophilus</i>, both belonging to Gymnopussect.Levipedes. <i>Gymnopusbiyangensis</i> is characterized by basidiomata appearing in summer and originating from broad-leaved forests, a dark reddish-brown pileus, a cylindrical to clavate stipe, and clavate to cylindrical, diverticulate cheilocystidia. <i>Gymnopussinodryophilus</i> differs by the yellowish-white to light brown basidiomata arising from coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, coralloid but inflated pileipellis terminal cells, and an apex of cheilocystidia not coralloid. Additionally, a key to the reported species of Gymnopussect.Levipedes in China is provided.