title: Afrocantharellus gen. stat. nov. is part of a rich diversity of African Cantharellaceae.
abstract: A new genus in the Cantharellaceae, Afrocantharellus, is recognized based on results from phylogenetic analyses of rDNA LSU and concatenated LSU/5.8-ITS2/ATP6 data. It was previously recognized as a subgenus, but comprehensive fieldwork and the acquisition of numerous sequences for previously neglected African Cantharellus species formed the basis for a reappraisal of generic and species delimitations. Afrocantharellus is characterized morphologically by the basidiomes having thick, distantly spaced diverging folds of variegated colour. In contrast to most of Cantharellus, Afrocantharellus mostly lacks clamp connections. Phylogenies of Cantharellus and Afrocantharellus based on LSU and a concatenated data set are provided, along with descriptions of and a key to the four species and one form of Afrocantharellus recognized. Six new combinations are made.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35179, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Permanent address) ; Department of Systematic Biology, Institute for Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden.
authors.forename: Donatha D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Tibuhwa
authors.forename: Sanja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saviæ
authors.forename: Leif
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tibell
authors.forename: Amelia K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Kivaisi