Pholiota highlandensis var. citrinosquamulosa (Fungi, Agaricales) is conspecific with Pholiota gallica

Pholiota highlandensis var. citrinosquamulosa Maire ex Bidaud & Borgarino is a Mediterranean fungus growing in connection above all with Pinus halepensis and/or Quercus ilex, either on soil or on their wood. Its distinguishing characters are stout basidiomata, red-brown pileus with paler, lemon yellow margin, distinct lemon yellow scales on stipe, ellipsoid-ovoid spores and fusiform to lageniform cheilo- and pleurocystidia. Morphological and DNA study of its type and other collections showed that it does not belong to P. highlandensis but is conspecific with Pholiota gallica Holec & Kolahlc. This species bears a recently published replacement name for Pholiota lubrica var. obscura, a taxon described by Bon & Chevassut from the same habitats as Ph. var. citrinosquamulosa. Basic data on taxonomy, nomenclature and ecology of P. gallica, the correct name for all the taxa mentioned, are summarized. A key for identification of P. gallica and similar taxa is proposed.