Cantharellus chicagoensis sp. nov. is supported by molecular and morphological analysis as a new yellow chanterelle in midwestern United States

Abstract

Recent molecular systematic studies of Cantharellus cibarius sensu lato have revealed previously unknown species in different regions of North America. This study investigates yellow chanterelles in the Midwest using phylogenetic analysis of three DNA regions: nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 28S sequences and translation elongation factor 1α gene (EF1α). This analysis reveals a locally common taxon Cantharellus chicagoensis sp. nov. as distinct from sympatric species present in northeastern Illinois, northwestern Indiana and Wisconsin. This chanterelle features a pileus that often has a greenish yellow margin when immature, a squamulose disk when mature, a yellow spore print and the absence of a fragrant odor. Multiple Cantharellus specimens group with C. flavus and C. phasmatis, expanding their known range, and others with C. roseocanus. Our observations highlight the diversity of Cantharellus in midwestern USA and further document the need for additional systematic focus on the region’s fungi.

• Cantharellales
• Cantharellus cibarius
• diversity
• phylogeny
• taxonomy

Acknowledgments

Financial support was provided by the Chicago Botanic Garden. Molecular work was carried out in the Harris Family Foundation Plant Genetics Laboratory of the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, Chicago Botanic Garden, with sequencing performed in the Pritzker Laboratory of Molecular Systematics and Evolution, Field Museum of Natural History. For assistance with laboratory work we thank Ben Morgan. We thank these collectors and field assistants: Peter G. Avis; Illinois Mycological Association volunteers Arthur D. Houghtby, Crystal L. McAllister, Bruch T. Reed and Lorinda Sues; Field Museum interns Katherine P. Lauer and Caitlin D. Wylie; the North American Mycological Association; and Britt A. Bunyard of the Wisconsin Mycological Society. Research permits were granted by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, McHenry County Conservation District and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Christopher L. Schardl and two anonymous reviewers provided useful comments on the earlier version of this manuscript.