Study of the stipitate hydnums from the southern Appalachian Mountains : genera Bankera, Hydnellum, Phellodon, Sarcodon

The genera Bankera, Hydnellum, Phellodon, and Sarcodon are common members of higher fungi from the southern Appalachian Mountains. Approximately thirty-one species from the four genera were identified from this geographical area. Of these, two are new species, and one is provided with a latin description for validation.

Data obtained through macro- and microscopic examination of the sporophores, were compared with observations on associated tree species and the presence or absence of three terphenylquinones. The results from this study indicated that the data from the associated tree species and the chemical analysis were important in determination of the species, but they must be correlated with the macro-and microscopic characters of the basidiocarps.

All type specimens of the four genera from North America and related European collections were examined for comparison with other collections of stipitate hydnums from the southern Appalachian Mountains. The descriptions derived from these specimens are provided and information from the original descriptions is included when it is determined appropriate.