DNA was extracted from dried specimens of nine taxa of the
Cantharellaceae. Approximately 325 bases near the 5′ end of the
nuclear 28S ribosomal gene were sequenced, and the sequences were compared.
Sequence analyses demonstrated that Cantharellus
and Craterellus should be treated as distinct genera. The phylogeny
generated using parsimony suggests that Cantharellus tubaeformis
and Pseudocraterellus sinuosus should be considered
species of Craterellus. As a result of this study, we recognize
the
first placement of
these two species in Craterellus by Fries and Quélet.
A reassessment of the morphological characters used to separate Cantharellus
and Craterellus is indicated.