Geastrum melanocephalum, originally described as Trichaster melanocephalus, is characterized by large basidiomata and an evanescent endoperidium. Although Trichaster was recently treated as a synonym of Geastrum and the specific name G. melanocephalum has often been used, it is still controversial whether Trichaster is an independent genus. Although a close affinity of G. melanocephalum and G. triplex has been suggested based on some morphological similarities, it is highly likely that G. triplex is polyphyletic because of its high morphological variability. To clarify the phylogenetic position of G. melanocephalum, it is therefore critical to evaluate the monophyly of G. triplex. This study sampled ITS, LSU, and atp6 genes from 144 specimens of Geastrales including G. melanocephalum and G. triplex from several continents. Results of phylogenetic analyses demonstrated G. melanocephalum is nested within Geastrum and is most closely related to the European and North American group of G. triplex. Morphological similarities of G. melanocephalum and European and North American G. triplex are also suggested. Based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence, we confirm Trichaster is a synonym of Geastrum, and the scientific name Geastrum melanocephalum should be accepted. Moreover, the present study revealed that taxa tentatively identified as ''G. triplex'' are highly polyphyletic, and a taxonomic revision of ''G. triplex'' is therefore needed.

Typhula maritima, a new species of Typhula collected from coastal dunes in Hokkaido, northern Japan fertile clavulae and distinct, fi liform stipes arising from sclerotia or directly from mycelia (Remsberg 1940); this genus includes more than 50 species mainly in cool temperate and frigid regions (Corner 1950; Berthier 1976). Most species are saprophytic and psychrotrophic or psychrophilic, and several species [Typhula incarnata Lasch ex Fr., T. ishikariensis S. Imai, T. japonica Terui, T. phacorrhiza (Reichardt) Fr., T. trifoli Rostr., and T. variabilis Riess] are phytopathogens in grasslands from cool temperate regions to the Arctic (Hsiang et al. 1999;Matsumoto et al. 2001;Hoshino 2005).We have been surveying the biodiversity of macrofungi in a coastal dune area, Ishikarihama, Ishikari-shi, Ishikari Province, Hokkaido, northern Japan, since 2004 Takehashi et al. 2007). Several taxa of macrofungi belonging to ascomycetes and basidiomycetes have been found in coastal sandy dunes in cool temperate to frigid regions in Europe, including Nordic countries (Andersson 1950) and northern Scotland (Watling and Rotheroe 1989). However, no species with spathulate or clavate basidiocarps resembling Typhula spp. have been listed in these checklists or in monographs on Typhula and related genera (Remsberg 1940;Corner 1950;Parmasto 1965; Berthier 1976). In this article, we describe the taxonomic characteristics as well as physiological and ecological traits of Typhula sp., indicating adaptations to the coastal dune environment. Materials and methods CollectionThe specimens of Typhula sp. were collected from coastal dunes in Ishikarihama, Kotan, and Muenhama, Ishikari-shi, Ishikari Province, and Yoichihama, Yoichi-cho, Shiribeshi Province, Hokkaido, Japan (Fig. 1). Dates of collection are shown below. These specimens were kept in the mycological herbaria of National Museum of Nature and Science,

The specimen examined in this study is deposited in the herbarium of National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo (TNS). Macroscopic characters were described by observations on dried material under a stereo microscope. For light microscopic observations, free-hand sections of gleba and peridium were mounted in water and 1% (w/v) cotton-blue lactophenol on glass slides. Forty randomly selected basidiospores were measured under a light microscope at 1000× magnifi cation.

First record of Pluteus chrysophaeus and reexamination of Pluteus leoninus from Japan P. chrysophaeus. Therefore, we redescribed and illustrated P. leoninus based on the new Japanese material.The specimens examined in this study are deposited in the herbaria of the Hokkaido University Museum (SAPA) and the National Museum of Nature and Science (TNS). Macroscopic characters were described by observations on dried or fresh materials. For light microscopic observations, sections of dried specimens were mounted in water, 3% or 5% (w/v) KOH, and phloxine B solution on glass slides. Thirty randomly selected basidiospores were measured under a light microscope at 1000× magnifi cation. Length measurements excluded the apiculus for basidiospores. The abbreviation Q is the ratio of length to width of basidiospores.