Two new species and one new provincial record of Cantharellus (Hydnaceae, Cantharellales) from the Dabie Mountains, China

Cantharellus is a genus of Hydnaceae (Cantharellales) with significant ecological and economic importance; however, its species diversity in central China remains largely unexplored. In this study, 16 specimens of Cantharellus were collected from the Dabie Mountains, China. Based on morphological observations and multigene phylogenetic analyses of nrLSU, rpb2 , and tef1-α , two new species, C. armeniacus and C. cremeus , are described. Additionally, C. curvatus is reported as a new record for Anhui Province, representing a range extension for this species, and the occurrence of C. phloginus in the region is documented. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic discussions are provided, expanding current knowledge of the diversity of Cantharellus .