The new species Ramariopsis robusta Matouš & Holec is described based on collections from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The species is highly supported in a phylogenetic tree based on the 28S rDNA gene. Morphologically, it is distinguished by its robust and densely branched white to cream basidiomata often growing in fascicles, with wide, often flattened branches, and distinctly ornamented spores with up to 1.5 μm high spines. The most similar species R. kunzei differs by subtler, more sparsely branched basidiomata, lower spore ornamentation, smaller Q value and shorter basidia. The species is described in detail and figures showing its macro- and microcharacters are provided including SEM photographs of spores. Differences with the similar taxa R. kunzei (including its varieties), R. atlantica, R. bispora, R. tenuiramosa, R. biformis, R. rufipes and Clavaria lentofragilis are outlined. Ramariopsis atlantica is newly documented from Panama.
Matouš J., Holec J., Koukol O. (2017): Ramariopsis robusta (Basidiomycota, Clavariaceae), a new European species similar to R. kunzei. – Czech Mycology 69(1): 51–64.
