Phylogenetic placement and new data on the morphology and ecology of Calathella eruciformis (Agaricales, Basidiomycota), a cyphelloid fungus new to Poland

Abstract Calathella eruciformis, a species hitherto unknown in Poland, is reported from four localities in the north-eastern part of the country. This wood-inhabiting saprotroph was found on dead decorticated but still attached twigs and branches of livingPopulus tremulain an oak-hornbeam forest (Carpinion betuli). Macro- and microcharacters of the recently collected material are presented in detail, together with selected illustrations. Examination of ITS rDNA sequences indicated thatCalathellais not monophyletic and that the type species of the genusC. eruciformisis alien to the heterogeneous genusFlagelloscypha. Furthermore, molecular evidence is provided for a close relationship betweenC. eruciformisand the type species of the genusSphaerobasidioscypha,Sphaerobasidioscypha citrispora.