title: Astraeus: hidden dimensions.
abstract: The genus Astraeus is shown to be even more complex than recent studies have found. There are problems defining what the molecular fingerprint is of the generic type species. The present article, based on molecular and morphological information and the classical literature, attempts to throw further light on these important ectomycorrhizal fungi. Our studies go part way in an endeavour to unravel the taxonomy and systematics of this genus, necessitating the recognition of at least three new species. Potential nomenclatural problems are also outlined.
authors.affiliation: Division of Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Nakhon Phanom University, 167 Naratchakouy Sub-District, Muang District, Nakhon Phanom, 48000, Thailand.
authors.forename: Cherdchai
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Phosri
authors.affiliation: Departmento de Micología, Real Jardín Botánico, RJB-CSIC. Plaza de Murillo 2, 28014, Madrid, Spain;
authors.forename: María P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Martín
authors.affiliation: Caledonian Mycological Enterprises, 26 Blinkbonny Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 3HU, UK.
authors.forename: Roy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Watling
keywords: Ectomycorrhizal fungi; ITS nrDNA; gasteromycetes; nomenclature; phylogeny; taxonomy