Taxonomic Position of Hydropus Floccipes and Allied Species—A Quantitative Approach

SUMMARY

A previously described numerical taxonomy technique is used to compare the subsection Floccipedes (in current taxonomy classified under Hydropus or Mycena, sect. Floccipedes) with the genus Hydropus (without subsection Floccipedes) and Gerronema subgenus Gerronema. The technique was developed for assigning genera to families, and there are some differences, which are noted, when it is applied to this lower level. Further comments are made on the general method, including response to discussions of the method by a Swiss mycologist and an American statistician. The taxonomic result of our study confirms that subsection Floccipedes should be attached to Hydropus rather than Gerronema.