Chemotaxonomical and morphological observations in the genus Omphalotus (Omphalotaceae)

Comparative thin-layer chromatography – for the first time applied to Omphalotus olivascens var. olivascens, O. olivascens var. indigo, O. nidiformis, and to O. mexicanus – revealed strikingly similar pigment patterns for all Omphalotus species except O. mexicanus. Atromentin, thelephoric acid and pulvinic acid derivates were found in dried material and/or culture extracts of all species. Illudin S and illudin M were detected in O. mexicanus by high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. Data on morphological features of all described Omphalotus and Lampteromyces species are listed, illustrated, and summarized in a key. New combinations in the genus Omphalotus are proposed for Lampteromyces japonicus and L. mangensis.