Similar small-statured, frequently excentrically stipitate species
of Gymnopilus and Galerina occurring in the same habitat
in Australia
appear to form a continuum morphologically. As a result of detailed examination
of field and microscopic characters, and an analysis
of their styrylpyrone pigment content by thin layer chromatography, a satisfactory
distinction can be made between similar species
of the two genera. Three new species of Gymnopilus subgenus Gymnopilus,
G. corticophilus, G. tomentulosus and G. tasmanicus
are
described and compared with G. eucalyptorum, G. tyallus
and G. moabus. These six species are also compared and contrasted
with
three excentrically stipitate Galerina species, Ga. eucalyptorum
and two new species Ga. incrustata and an unusual pink Ga.
bulliformis.