Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park, 6.ii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26549), 13.ii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 26627), 24.ii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26634); Bishop's Reserve, 8,in.l967 (pdd 26645), 24.V.1967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26611), 9.vi.l967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26567); Parau, Parau Track, 26.ii.l967, G. L. S. Chamberlain: Warkworth, 23.vii.l967, B. R. Young (pdd 26571); Clevedon, 2.iv.l966, E. E. Chamberlain (pdd 26536). (2) L. scoparium, Auckland: Karekare, 27.iv.l971, B. S. Parris (pdd 29418); Titirangi, 6.V.1971, B. S. Parris (pdd 29419), l.vi.l971, B. S. Parris (pdd 29432).

pileus: 4.5-7.5 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly to moderately viscid, glabrous, velar remnants absent, dark brown, chocolate brown, bronze, or dark reddish brown in centre, paling to yellowish brown, greyish yellow or clay towards margins with ridges typically darker than intervening grooves; margins thin, entire, conspicuously pectinate for up to 1.5 cm. Cuticle often separating between adjacent ridges at margin, composed of erect hyphae thin-walled, smooth, septate, 3.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells typically slightly inflated apically, contents often yellowish brown in KOH; pilocystidia fusiform to cylindrical, thin-walled, apices rounded to acuminate, often capitulate, contents refractive in KOH, of variable length, 4-9 µm diam. lamellae: adnexed to adnate, crowded, moderately thin, simple or forked near stipe, to 8 mm deep, pallid creamy white to pallid cream, discoloured with numerous dull brown or dark brown spots and stains at maturity, or with discoloured edges, lamellulae rare to numerous. stipe: 3-6 cm long, ± equal, 1-2 cm diam., chambered or hollow at maturity, dry, subglabrous to finely felted, white to sordid white, typically with brown spots and stains; flesh white to sordid white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven hyphae 3-6 µm diam., typically aggregated into clumps; caulocystidia similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print cream: spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 2 µm long, 10.5-13.5 X 10-12 µm, ornamentation of moderately dense, amyloid or partially inamyloid, truncated spines and crests to 2 µm high, isolated, in small confluent groups, or joined by fine to moderately coarse amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum; plage inconspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 39-56 X 10.5-13.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 5.5 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform to irregularly subclavate, hyaline, thin-walled, contents slightly refractive in KOH, projecting to 45 µm beyond basidia, apices strangulate or capitulate, 56-94 X 7-12.5 µm, cheilocystidia similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: Sordid white to creamy white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. smell: not distinctive, taste: lamellae extremely and persistently acrid; context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context —rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly orange, darkening to orange-brown; KOH on pileus—faintly darkening; on context— n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or occasionally in pairs under Leptospermum.

Pileus centraliter depressus 4.5-7.5 cm diam, badius, moderate viscidus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines tenues, integri, conspicue pectinati usque ad 1.5 cm. Lamellae adnexae ad adnatas ad 8 mm altae, pallide cremeae maculis obscure brunneis decoloratae; lamellulae rarae ad numerosas. Stipes 3-6 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1-2 cm diam., cavatus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae 10.5-13.5 x 10-12 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

This species could be classified in the section Ingratae Quel. of Singer (1962).

holotype, pdd 26627

Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park, 7.iii.l967, ll.iv.l967, R.F.R. McN. (pdd 26545, 26588); 13.iii.l967, R.F.R. McN. (holotype, pdd 26584). (2) L. scoparium, Auckland: Riverhead State Forest, 15.V.1967, R.F.R. McN. (pdd 26585).

pileus: 4-7.5 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, viscid, glabrous, velar remnants absent, white, pallid creamy white, cream, or pallid yellowish white, often stained ochraceous brown. Margins thin, faintly to conspicuously pectinate for 0.7-1.5 cm. Cuticle 125-175 µm thick, composed of repent or ascending, interwoven hyphae and pilocystidia; hyphae thin-walled, septate, 1.5-4 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia mainly superficial, projecting, ± fusiform, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, 40-75 X 4.5-7.5 µm. lamellae: adnate to subdecurrent, moderately crowded, moderately thick, simple or forked near stipe, to 8 mm deep, pallid creamy white to pallid cream, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare. stipe: 3.5-6 cm long, ± equal, 1-1.5 cm diam., chambered at maturity, dry, glabrous, innately longitudinally fibrillose under lens, white to pallid creamy white, often stained pallid yellowish brown; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven hyphae 1.5-4 µm diam., terminal cells projecting obliquely; caulocystidia mainly superficial, projecting, similar to pilocystidia. spores: Spore print pallid creamy white; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate; apiculus to 1.5 µm long, 7-9 X 6-7.5 µm, ornamentation moderately dense, of fine amyloid verrucae to 0.5 µm high, joined by fine to moderately fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage indistinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 32-50 X 8-10.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, often projecting to 25 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, 56-110 X 8-12 µm, cheilocystidia sparse, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed, oleiferous hyphae present. context of pileus: White, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild, chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly faint pink; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or in pairs under Leptospermum.

Pileus centraliter depressus 4-7.5 cm diam., albus vel pallide ochraceus, ochraceo-brunneo tinctu decoloratus, viscidus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines tenues, leviter ad conspicue pectinati per 0.7-1.5 cm. Lamellae adnatae ad subdecurrentes, ad 8 mm altae, pallide creameae, ad maturitatem non decoloratae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 3.5-6 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1-1.5 cm diam., cavatus, siccus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae 7-9 x 6-7.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

This species probably can be classified in section Ingratae Quel. subsection Foetentinae Melzer & Zvara of Singer (1962).

holotype, pdd 26584

Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Henderson Valley, Sharp's Bush, 21.vi.l967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26568); Titirangi, Bishop's Reserve, 6.iv.l967, R.F.R. McN. (PDD 26945). (2) L. scoparium. Wellington: Lake Rotoaira, 30.iv.l967, R.F.R. McN. (2 coils) (holotype, pdd 26598) (26539); Auckland: Warkworth, Pohuehue Hill, ll.iii.l967, B.R. Young (pdd 26937).

pileus: 3.5-7.5 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous, finely felted under lens, velar remnants absent, white when first emerging from soil, darkening to creamy brown or pallid yellowish brown with age; margins entire, thick, non-pectinate. Cuticle 150-250 µm thick, composed of ± repent or obliquely ascending, interwoven hyphae and pilocystidia; hyphae thin-walled, septate, 2.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia sparse, cylindrical to fusiform, thin-walled, apices length, 4-7 µm diam. lamellae: adnexed to adnate, crowded, moderately thick, simple or rarely forked near stipe, to 5 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae numerous, typically in partial sequence. stipe: 1.5-2.5 cm long, ± equal, 1-1.7 cm diam., stout, solid, dry, glabrous, finely felted under lens, white; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle similar to that of pileus: caulocystidia similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print white; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 8.5-11.5 X 8-10.5 µm, ornamentation moderately dense, of amyloid or partially in amyloid truncated spines and crests to 1.4-(2) µm high, in confluent groups, joined by moderately coarse to fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage indistinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 50-83 X 10-14 µm. 4-spored, sterigmata to 8.5 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, sub-clavate to fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 20 µm beyond basidia, apices bluntly acuminate, occasionally mucronate, strangulate, or capitulate, 63-115 X 8-13.5 µm; cheilocystidia numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed, oleiferous hyphae occasionally present. context of pileus: white, firm, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste : lamellae bitter, context slightly bitter. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—slowly faint salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—slowly faint pink, darkening to pinkish red; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r. acuminate or strangulate, contents refractive in KOH, of variable

gregarious under Leptospermum.

Pileus centraliter depressus 3.5-7.5 cm diam., albus, ad maturitatem gradatim pallide cinnamomeo tinctu decoloratus, leviter viscidus, subtiliter coactus; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines crassi integri non pectinati. Lamellae adnexae ad adnatas, ad 5 mm altae, albae ad cremeo-albas; lamellulae numerosae. Stipes 1.5-2.5 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1-1.7 cm diam., concolor cum pileo. Sporae lateellipticae8.5-11.5 x 8—10.5 µm, amyloides dense ornate.

This species also appears to belong to the section Compactae Fr. subsection Plorantes Bat. of Singer (1962) or of Lacterioideae of Shaffer (1964).

holotype, pdd 26598

Under (1) N. fusca and N. menziesii, Nelson: Maruia, 25.iv.l969, R. F. R. McN.; Lake Daniels Track, 15.V.1969, R. F, R. McN. (2) N, menziesii. Nelson: Lake Daniels Track, 15.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (3) N. solandri, Canterbury: Craigieburn, 5.ii.l969, E. Horak, (holotype, pdd 30655).

pileus: 3.5-6.5 cm diam., hemispherical or convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly to moderately viscid, glabrous, innately subpruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, often multicoloured, dull greyish magenta with greenish yellow or dark brown patches, sordid greyish green, or sooty grey with sordid greenish tints, often with dull yellowish patches particularly toward centre, greyish green colours predominating in dried specimens; margins entire, moderately thin, non-pectinate. Cuticle 75-100 µm, thick, composed of erect, hyaline, thin-walled, septate, hair-like hyphae 2-5 µm, diam., without coloured contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised, often with acuminate or irregularly acuminate apices, occasionally projecting to 50 µm beyond general level of cuticle, becoming disorganised and partially gelatinised with age; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnate, crowded, moderately thick, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 5 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare Or absent. stipe: 2-4 cm long, ± equal, 1-1.5 cm diam., dry, solid, finely furfuraceous under lens, pallid greyish magenta, pallid rose, or pallid sooty grey, flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven hyphae 2.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells projecting and often aggregated into clumps. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 7.5-10.5 X 7-9 µm, ornamentation of moderately dense amyloid verrucae to 0.7-(l) µm high, in confluent groups and forming nodulate bands, joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming an incomplete reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage distinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 39-52 X 10-13.5 µn, 4-spored, sterigmata to 8 µm long: pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, broadly fusiform or subclavate, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 15 µm beyond basidia, apices bluntly acuminate, acuminate or apiculate, 52-78 X 8-13.5 µm, cheilocystidia numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, inter-mixed, oleiferous hyphae present. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—n.r.: KOH on pileus—bleaching action leaving area orange-red; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus—green; on context —n.r.

Solitary or gregarious under Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 3.5-6.5 cm diam., obscure griseo-magenteus ad sordide griseo-viridem, viscidus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae, ad 5 mm altae, pallide cremeo-albae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 2-4 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1-1.5 cm diam., solidus, siccus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae 7.5-10,5 x 7-9 µm amyloides dense ornatae.

Russula atrovirens also gives a distinctive green colour reaction of the pileus to NH4OH and the spores are densely verrucose. It belongs in section Rigidae Fr. and is possibly best placed in subsection Amoeninae Sing. as defined by Singer ( 1962). Considerable variation in colours of both pileus and stipe occurs in this species. The green colours of the pileus are not always dominant in fresh material, but quickly appear when fructifications are dried.

holotype, pdd 30655

Under L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Bishop's Reserve, 8.iii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26547)-, 13.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26591); 13.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 26590)

pileus: 4-8.5 cm diam., hemispherical to convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous, pruinose to subvelutinate under lens, velar remnants absent, dark greyish red, vinaceous, ruby, or ruby with purple tints in centre, typically paling towards margins, often with yellowish brown, greenish brown, or brownish purple areas; margins entire, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erect, thin-walled, smooth, aseptate or occasionally septate, hair-like hyphae to 100 µm long, 4.5-7 µm diam., without staining contents in KOH, tapering apically, originating from non-inflated or occasionally slightly inflated, short-celled hyphae; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnate, moderately crowded, moderately thick, simple or forked near stipe, to 9 mm deep, pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae absent. stipe: 2.5-6 cm long, ± equal or tapering basally, 1-2 cm diam., dry, solid, finely furfuraceous to pruinose under lens, greyish red to greyish ruby, typically paling apically; flesh white, firm, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of a close palisade of hair-like hyphae similar to those of pileus; caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print cream; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5 µm long, 7.5-9 X 6.5-8.5 µm, ornamentation of amyloid crests and ridges to 0.7 µm high, forming an almost complete reticulum; plage absent. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 39-52 X 9-12 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 5 µm long, pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents sparse, projecting to 50 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, 77-122 X 8.5-14 µm; cheilocystidia numerous, projecting, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly salmon pink, darkening with time; KOH on pileus— orange-brown to yellowish brown; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Gregarious under Leptospermum.

Pileus convexus centraliter depressus, 4-8.5 cm diam., atrogriseo-ruber ad vinaceum ad margines pallescens, siccus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 9 mm altae, pallide cremeae; lamellulae deficiunt. Stipes 2.5-6 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis vel basim angustatus, 1-2 cm diam., concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae 7.5-9 x 6.5-8.5 µm, amyloides sparse ornatae.

holotype, pdd 26590

Under (1) N. fusca and N. menziesii. Nelson: Maruia, 6.V.1968, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, PDD 30662); 15.iv.l969, R. F. R. McN.; l.ii.l970, P. Mulcock. (2) N. menziesii, Nelson: Maruia. 15.iv.l969, R. F. R. McN.: Otago, Catlins, Puketiro Reserve, 29.iu.l966, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26924). (3) N. solandri, Canterbury: Craigieburn, 5.ii.l969, R. F. R. McN. N. solandri v, cliffortioides Canterbury: L. Selfe, 6.U.1970, R. F. R. McN. (4) N. truncata. Nelson: Karamea, Granite Creek, 6.i.1970, B. J. Denton, L. scoparium Canterbury: Bankside Scientific Reserve 3.ii.l970, B. J. P. Molloy.

pileus:  4-6.5 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed to infundibuliform at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous, finely felted under lens, velar remnants absent, white to pallid creamy white when first emerging from soil, darkening to cream, creamy ochraceous, or creamy brown, sometimes stained with yellowish brown; margins entire, thick, non-pectinate. Cuticle 200-250 µm thick, composed of repent or obliquely ascending, interwoven hyphae and pilocystidia; hyphae thin-walled, septate, 3.5-6 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia sparse, cylindrical to fusiform, thin-walled, apices acuminate or capitulate, contents refractive in KOH, of variable length, 4-8 µm diam. lamellae: adnate to subdecurrent, crowded, moderately thick, simple or rarely forked near stipe, to 4 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae numerous, typically in partial sequence. stipe: 2.5-4 cm long, ± equal, 1-1.8 cm diam., solid, dry, glabrous, faintly innately reticulate under lens, occasionally pallid brownish white, white; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle similar to that of pileus; caulocystidia similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 2-(2.5) µm long, 10-12.5 X 9-11 µm, ornamentation moderately dense, of amyloid or partially in amyloid truncated spines and crests to 1.4-(2) µm high, in confluent groups, joined by moderately coarse to fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage indistinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 44-63 X 10-14 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 8 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, broadly subclavate to fusiform, hyaline thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 30 µm beyond basidia, apices bluntly acuminate, occasionally strangulate or capitulate, 63-108 X 8-13.5 µm cheilocystidia numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed, oleiferous hyphae occasionally present. context of pileus: white, firm, unchanging: structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—n.r.; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r.; N4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or in small groups under Nothofagus and Leptospermum.

This species appears to belong to the section Compactae subsection Plorantes of Singer (1962) and of Lactarioideae of Shaffer (1964).

Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park, 24.ii.l967, 7.iii.l967, ll.iv.l967, 17.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26632, 26640, 26587, 26592); Waitakere Ranges, Fairy Falls Track, IO.V.1965, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26935). (2) N. fusca and N. menziesii, Nelson: Maruia, 23.iii.l966, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26925). (3) N. menziesii. Nelson: Oparara, Fenian Track, 9.L1968, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 30661). (4) N. solandri, Oparara River, 2.L1970, R. F. R. McN. (5) N. solandri, Canterbury: Craigie-burn, 5.ii.l969, B. Segedin. Kowai Bush, 5.ii.l959, R. F. R. McN.

pileus: 3-5.5 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous, faintly innately pruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, white to creamy white when first emerging from soil, darkening to cream, creamy ochraceous, cream yellow, or pallid yellowish brown with age, often stained yellowish brown; margins entire, thick, non-pectinate. Cuticle 150-200 µm thick, composed of ± repent or obliquely ascending and aggregated, interwoven, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2.5-6 µm diam., often irregularly inflated, terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnate to subdecurrent, crowded, moderately thick, simple or rarely forked near stipe, to 5 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae numerous, typically in partial sequence. stipe: 1-3 cm long, ± equal, 0.6-1.2 cm diam., solid, dry, glabrous, faintly innately reticulate under lens, white to pallid creamy white, often stained yellowish brown; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle similar to that of pileus; caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print pallid creamy white; spores broadly elliptical to broadly ovate, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to l- (1.5) µm long, 6.5-8 X 5-6.5 µm, ornamentation moderately dense, of fine amyloid verrucae to 0.5 µm high, isolated, in confluent groups, or joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum; plage indistinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 29-55 X 7.5-10.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, moderately numerous, fusiform to broadly fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 45 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, 56-112 X 7-16 µm; cheilocystidia sparse or numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed, oleiferous hyphae occasionally present. context of pileus: white, firm, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—salmon pink; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

solitary or in small groups under Leptospermum and Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 3-5.5 cm diam., albus, cremeo-ochraceus, saepe brunneo tinctu decoloratus, leviter viscidus, glaber; margines integri, crassi, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad subdecurrentes, ad 5 mm altae, albae ad pallide cremeas; lamellulae numerosae. Stipes 1-3 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 0.6-1.2 cm diam., solidus, siccus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae, ovatae 6.5-8 x 5-6.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

Under (1) N. fusca. Nelson: Oparara River, 211970, R. F. R. McN. (3 coils). (2) N. fusca and N. menziesii. Nelson: Oparara River, 2.1.1970, R. J. McN.; R. F. R. McN.: Maruia 28.iii.l966, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26931). (3) N. menziesii. Nelson: Karamea,, Umere, 19.i.l968, 2.L1969, 8.1.1969, R. F. R. McN.; 4.i.l970, A. Y. & K. E. McN.; Oparara River, Fenian Track, 9.L1968, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 30624). (4) N. menziesii and N. truncata. Nelson: Taffytown, IO.V.1971, A. Y. McN. (5) N. solandri, Canterbury: Kowai Bush, 5.ii.1969, B. Segedin; Wellington: Tongariro National Park, Chateau, I.V.1967, A. C. Eden (PDD 26542). (6) Nothofagus sp., Taupo Co: Poronui, 18.iv.l970, J. B. Taylor (PDD 29447).

pileus: 4.5-11 cm diam., hemispherical to convex when young, centrally depressed to infundibuliform at maturity, viscid under wet conditions, glabrous, often faintly creviced or finely rugulose, innately pruinose to finely felted under lens, velar remnants absent, greyish brown, dark greyish brown, or pallid sepia, often with a sooty appearance; margins entire, thick, non-pectinate. Cuticle 150-200 µm thick, partially gelatinised at maturity, composed of obliquely ascending, interwoven hyphae and pilocystidia; hyphae thin-walled, septate, 3.5-6.5 µm diam., with dark brown contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia numerous, ± cylindrical with acuminate, capitulate, or strangulate apices, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, 70-120 X 5-9 µm. lamellae: adnate to subdecurrent, crowded, moderately thick, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 8 mm deep, pallid creamy white when young, becoming cream to pallid creamy ochraceous, occasionally discoloured in places ,at maturity, lamellulae numerous, in 3 unequal series, typically in sequence. stipe: 3-5 cm long, equal or tapering basally, 1.2-2.5 cm diam., solid, dry, glabrous, faintly pruinose under lens, concolorous with pileus or slightly paler; flesh pallid brownish grey, slowly darkening on prolonged exposure to air. Cuticle composed of parallel to interwoven, thin-walled, septate hyphae 3.5-6.5 µm diam., with dark brown contents in KOH; caulocystidia numerous, similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print white; spores broadly elliptical to obovate, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 7-9-(10.5) X 6-8 µm, ornamentation of amyloid verrucae to 0.5 µm high, in confluent groups, joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage indistinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 36-60 X 7.5-10.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, broadly fusiform or subclavate, apices acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 25 µm beyond basidia, 60-110 X 6-12 µm, cheilocystidia similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: pallid, greyish white, firm, darkening on prolonged exposure to air; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent: taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: Formalin on context—faint pink to salmon pink; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—pallid salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly salmon pink, darkening to orange-red; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context —n.r.; NH4OH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r.

Solitary or gregarious under Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus ad infundibulifomem 4.5-11 cm diam., griseo-fuscus, viscidus, glaber, subtiliter rugulosus; veil vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, crassi, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad subdecurrentes ad 8 mm altae, pallide cremeo-ochraceae, interdum ad maturitatem decoloratae; lamellulae numerosae in tribus seriebus inaequalibus. Stipes 3-5 cm longus, basim angustatus, 1.2-2.5 cm diam., solidus, siccus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae ad ovatas 7-9-(10.5) x 6-8 µm, amyloides ornatae.

The firm context which slowly darkens on exposure to air and regularly arranged lamellulae indicate that this species belongs in section Compactae, subsection Compactae, as defined by Shaffer (1962). Russula griseobrunnea may be distinguished from the other New Zealand representative of subsection Compactae by the slowly darkening context, mild taste, and salmon pink reaction to FeSO4

holotype, pdd 30624

Under (1) N. fusca. Nelson: Maruia, Lewis Pass l.ii-1970, A. P. Mulcock: Lewis Pass, near Jackson’s Creek, 13.i.l971, R. F. R McN. (2) N. fusca and N. menziesii. Nelson: Maruia, 21.1.1968, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pod 30654); L. Daniels track, 14.iv.l968, R. F. R. McN. (3) N menziesii, Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 6.L1968, R. F. R. McN.; 2.i.l969, R. F. R McN.; Oparara, Fenian Track, 9.i.l968, R. F. R. McN. (4) N. menziesii and N solandri var. cliffortioides, Canterbury: Kowai Bush, 5.ii.l969, P. Segedin and E Horak; Cass, 30.iii.l968, M. J. Noonan. (5) Nothofagus sp.. Nelson: Buller Gorge, l.ii.l970, A. P. Mulcock; Southland: Te Anau, Waiau River, 3.i.l970, P. K. C. Austwick.

pileus: 3.5-7 cm diam., hemispherical to convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous to subglabrous, innately pruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, dull red, dull greyish red, or occasionally dull brown with dark red tints, paling towards margins, typically with a glaucous white bloom in centre: margins entire, faintly pectinate for up to 1 cm from edge particularly under dry conditions. Cuticle 150-200 µm thick, composed of interwoven, thin-walled, equal or irregularly inflated, septate hyphae 2.5-4-(9) µm diam., erect or obliquely ascending in young fructifications, becoming ± repent and slightly gelatinised with age, terminal cells unspecialised: pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnate to subdecurrent, moderately crowded, moderately thick, simple or forked at any point between stipe and margin, to 7 mm deep, dull greyish white to greyish cream, often with faint greyish red tints, lamellulae occasionally present. stipe: 4-5 cm long, equal or slightly tapering basally, 1.3-2 cm diam., dry, solid, glabrous, innately reticulate under lens, pallid greyish white, often with faint greyish red tints; flesh firm, white to sordid white, occasionally with yellowish stains basally, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle similar to that of pileus, caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print white; spores elliptical, broadly elliptical, or obovate, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 2 µm long, 7.5-9.5 X 6-7.5 µm. ornamentation of amyloid verrucae to 0.5 µm high, isolated, in small confluent groups, or joined by extremely fine amyloid ridges and forming an incomplete reticulum; plage absent. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 38-60 X 7-10.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, rare to moderately numerous, sub-clavate to fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled. Contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 25 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, bluntly acuminate, strangulate, or occasionally mucronate, 60-97 X 6.5-11 µm; cheilo-cystidia filamentous, to 3.5 µm diam. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: Sordid white to pallid brownish white, tinted greyish red beneath cuticle, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context— slowly deep vinaceous; FeS04 on context—rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly salmon pink, darkening to deep orange-red; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context —n.r.

Solitary or gregarious under Nothofagus.

Pileus convexus, centraliter depressus 3.5-7 cm diam., obscure ruber, siccus, glaber ad subglabrum; veli vestigia deficiunt. Lamellae adnatae ad subdecurrentes ad 7 mm altae, griseo-cremeae. Stipes 4-5 cm longus, aequalis vel basim parum angustatus, 1.3-2 cm diam., siccus, solidus, pallide griseo-albus. Sporae late ellipticae vel obovatae 7.5-9.5 x 6-7.5 µm, amyloides ornatae.

holotype, pdd 30654

Under (1) N. fusca, Nelson: L. Daniels track, 13.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (2) N. fusca and N. menziesii. Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 8.i.l969, R. F. R. McN; Maruia, 24.iv.l969, R. F. R. McN. (3) N. menziesii. Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 2.L1968, R. F. R. McN; 5.1.1968, R, F. R. McN. (holotype, PDD 30663); 2.i.l969 (2 coils), 29.xii.l969, R. F. R. McN. Otago: Catlins, Puketiro Reserve, 29.iii. l966, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26933).

pileus: 2-5.5 cm diam., hemispherical to convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, finely subpruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, deep greyish magenta to greyish violet, or dark purple with vinaceous tints, sometimes dark grey to black and finely creviced giving a sooty appearance, occasionally with greenish yellow areas: margins entire, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of thin-walled, or slightly thick-walled, smooth or finely roughened, hyaline or yellow tinted, septate, hair-like hyphae to 150 µm long, 3-5 µm diam., without coloured contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised, tapering apically, originating from inflated, short-celled hyphae, or occasionally from sphaerocysts: pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnexed to adnate, crowded, thin, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 4 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare or absent. stipe: 1.5-4 cm long, ± equal or slightly expanded basally, 0.4-1 cm diam., dry, solid, finely furfuraceous under lens, pallid greyish magenta with rose tints, white flesh often showing through, occasionally almost entirely white with faint rose tints basally; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells projecting and aggregated into clumps; caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical to ovate, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 9.5-12 X 8.5-10.5 µm, ornamentation of dense, amyloid or partially inamyloid, truncated spines to 1.4-(1.8) µm high, typically joined basally by fine amyloid ridges and forming an incomplete reticulum, in small confluent groups, or occasionally isolated; plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 30-48 X 10.5-15 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 8 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, rare to numerous, broadly fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 15 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, 45-78 X 7.5-11 µm; cheilocystidia sparse, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—pallid salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—n.r.; KOH on pileus—magenta colour disappears leaving area orange-red; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or gregarious under Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 2-5.5 cm diam., saturate griseo-magenteus ad nigrum, subtiliter subpruinosus; veli vestigia deficiunt: margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnexae ad adnatas, ad 4 mm altae, saturate pallide cremeae: lamellulae rarae. Stipes 1.5-4 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 0.4-1 cm diam., pallidior quam pileus. Sporae late ellipticae ad ovatas 9.5-12 X 8.5-10.5 µm, amyloides vel partim amyloides dense ornatae.

holotype, PDD 30663

Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Bishop's Reserve, 26.xii.l966, 6.xi.l967„ 8.m.l967 (2 coils), R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26615, 26549, 26643, 26644). Titirangi, Atkinson Park, 6.ii.l967, R, F. R. McN. (PDD 26622); 13.xi.l967, R. F. R. McN. (holotype PDD 26628); l.iii.l967, 13.iii.l967, 4.iv.l967, 24.V.1967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26638, 26650, 26946. 26613). (2) Leptospermum sp. Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park, 15.iv.l970, J. B. Taylor (PDD 29398).

pileus: 5-10.5 cm diam., hemispherical to convex when young, centrally depressed to shallow-infundibuliform at maturity, viscid, early creviced with areolate patches crowded in centre and becoming less numerous and scattered towards margins, ground colour dull green, greyish green, or pallid olive, often tinged with greyish red under dry conditions, areolae pallid greyish green, margins often radially split at maturity, thin, slightly involute, non-pectinate or faintly pectinate under dry conditions in old specimens. Cuticle readily separable, 250-300 µm thick, consisting of distinct epicutis and sub-cutis; epicutis composed of erect, aseptate or septate, filamentous, ciliate, or papillate elements to 50 µm, long, arising from a layer of sphaerocysts 4-8 cells deep; sub-cutis heavily gelatinised composed of interwoven, thin-walled, septate hyphae 1.5-4 µm diam., repent or obliquely ascending, oleiferous hyphae occasionally present. lamellae: free to adnexed, crowded, moderately thick, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 7 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare. stipe: 2-7 cm long, ± equal, 1.2-2.8 cm diam., solid or chambered at maturity, dry, finely velutinate under lens, pallid smoke grey, pallid rose-grey, or pallid grey with faint purplish tints, rarely white; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven hyphae 2.5-4 ^m diam., terminal cells projecting obliquely or at right angles to surface. spores: spore print white; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5 µm, long, 7-9 X 6-7 µm, ornamentation of fine amyloid verrucae to 0.5-(0.8) µm, high, joined by fine to moderately fine amyloid ridges and forming an incomplete reticulum, or occasionally isolated: plage indistinct. hymenium: basidia clavate, hyaline, 35-53 X 6.5-11 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 6 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, sparse, broadly fusiform or subclavate, hyaline, thin-walled, contents sparse, refractive in KOH, projecting to 20 µm, beyond basidia at times, apices acuminate, bluntly acuminate or capitulate, 63-87 X 7.5-14 µm, cheilo-cystidia sparse, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter, intermixed with numerous filamentous or subclavate, septate structures to 4 µm diam. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed, numerous oleiferous hyphae present. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild, chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink: guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly faint pink, finally pinkish red: KOH and NH4OH on pileus and context-—n.r.

Solitary or scattered under Leptospermum.

Pileus in forma brevis infundibuli 5-10.5 cm diam., griseoviridis, viscidus cum areolatis pannis; margines radialibus rimis fissi, non pectinati. Lamellae liberae ad adnexas ad 7 mm altae, pallide cremeo-albae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 2-7 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1.2-2.8 cm diam., solidus vel cavatus ad maturitatem, pallide roseogriseus. Sporae late ellipticae 7-9 x 6-7 µm, amyloides subtiliter ornatae.

The distinctive cuticular structure indicates that R. griseoviridis belongs in section Rigidae Fr. subsection Virescentinae Sing. as defined by Singer (1962). The epicutis of young fructifications soon ruptures forming areolate patches seated on the continuous subcutis. These epicuticular patches resemble velar remnants.

holotype PDD 26628

Under N. menziesii. Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 29.xii.l969, R. F. R. McN.; 4.i.l970, A. Y. McN. (holotype, PDD 30626).

pileus: 6-10 cm diam., plano-convex to centrally depressed at maturity, viscid, glabrous, innately subpruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, probably pallid when young, mid brown, dark brown, greyish brown, or dark brownish grey at maturity, blackening when overmature: margins entire, thick, moderately involute, non-pectinate. Cuticle 200-250 µm thick, gelatinised at maturity, composed of obliquely ascending, interwoven, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2-4.5 µm diam., often with dark brown contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia rare, embedded, cylindrical with strangulate or capitulate apices, contents refractive in KOH, to 5 µm diam. lamellae: adnate, moderately crowded, thick, simple, to 7 mm deep, dull creamy white with faint greyish tints, heavily discoloured with black spots, blackening with age, lamellulae numerous, in 3 unequal series, typically in sequence. stipe: 4-5 cm long, ± equal or tapering basally, 1.3-2.5 cm diam., dry, solid, subvelutinate under lens, sordid greyish fawn to brownish grey, darker towards base; flesh white at first, rapidly blackening on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of a palisade of thin-walled, septate hyphae 3-4.5 µm diam., often with dark brown contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised; caulocystidia rare, embedded, similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5 µm long, 7.5-9 X 6.5-8 µm, ornamentation of amyloid verrucae and crests to 0.5 µm high, joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming a complete or almost complete reticulum; plage absent. hymenium: basidia tinted, clavate, 47-60 X 9-11.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, narrow fusiform, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 20 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, capitulate, or strangulate, 65-100 X 5.5-8 µm, cheilocystidia similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed, oleiferous hyphae present. context of pileus: white, rapidly blackening on exposure to air, firm, rather granular; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context acrid. chemical characters: FeSO4 on context— greyish green; KOH on pileus—faint darkening; on context— faintly yellow; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or in pairs under Nothofagus.

Pileus plano-convexus ad centraliter depressum 6-10 cm diam., griseo-brunneus, viscidus, glaber; margines integri, crassi, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 7 mm altae, obscure cremeo-albae, maculis nigris decoloratae; lamellulae numerosae in tribus seriebus inaequalibus. Stipes 4-5 cm longus, basim angustatus, 1.3-2.5 cm diam., siccus, solidus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae 7.5-9 x 6.5-8 µm, amyloides ornatae.

Young fruiting bodies of this species have not been collected, but if .R. inquinata follows the pattern of other species in the subsection, they are probably pallid in colour, darkening with maturity.

The blackening fructifications, firm context, and regularly arranged lamellulae indicate that R. inquinata belongs to section Compactae subsection Nigricantes Bat. as defined by Singer (1962). Russula inquinata is close to R. adusta (Pers. ex Fr.) Fr. but differs in the acrid taste, and the greyish green reaction to FeSO4 Russula adusta is a Northern Hemisphere species restricted to coniferous habitats. It belongs to the Compactae subsection of Russula as defined by Shaffer (1962).

holotype, PDD 30626

Under L. scoparium, Auckland: Bethell's Beach, 22.iii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (2 coils) (holotype, PDD 26940).

pileus: 3-5.5 cm diam., hemispherical when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous, velar remnants absent, pallid creamy white, cream, or creamy ochraceous; margins entire, thick, non-pectinate. Cuticle 250-300 µm thick, composed of ± repent or obliquely ascending, interwoven hyphae and pilocystidia; hyphae thin-walled, septate, 2.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia relatively numerous, often superficial, cylindrical to fusiform, thin-walled, apices acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, contents refractive in KOH, of variable length, 4-8 µm diam. lamellae: adnate, crowded, moderately thick, simple or forked near stipe, to 4 mm deep, pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae numerous, typically in partial sequence. stipe: 2-3.5 cm long, ± equal, 1.2-1.5 cm diam., solid, dry, finely granular-furfuraceous under lens, white to faintly creamy white; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle similar to that of pileus, caulocystidia often superficial, similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 7-8.5 X 6-7.5 µm, ornamentation moderately dense, of amyloid verrucae to 0.7 µm high, isolated or joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum; plage indistinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 44-63 X 8-10.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, extremely numerous, fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 15 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, 56-91 X 7.5-10.5 µm, cheilocystidia numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter, hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, firm, unchanging; structure, heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae acrid, context slightly acrid. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—pallid salmon pink; KOH on pileus— darkening slightly; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context— n.r.

Solitary or in pairs under Leptospermum.

Pileus centraliter depressus 3-5.5 cm diam., cremeo-ochraceus, siccus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 4 mm altae, pallide cremeo-albae; lamellulae numerosae. Stipes 2-3.5 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1.2-1.5 cm diam., solidus, siccus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae 7-8.5 x 6-7.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

This species resembles R. papakaiensis in many ways but lamellae do not discolour. Pleurocystidia are more numerous and spores more densely and evenly verrucose.

holotype, PDD 26940

Under (1) Leptospermum ericoides, Auckland: Henderson Valley, Sharps Bush, 10.iii.l967, 16.V.1967, 21.vi.l967 (2 coils), R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26647, 26537. 26569, 26570). (2) Nothofagus fusca: Nelson, Oparara, Fenian Track, 4.i.l969, R. F. R. McN.; L. Daniels track. 15.V.1969, R. F. R. McN.; Karamea, Umere, 2.i.l968, R. F, R. McN. (3) N. menziesii, Auckland: Rotorua, Mangorewa Gorge, 25.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN (PDD 26593); Nelson, Karamea, Umere, 31.i.l968, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 30658); 29.xii.l969, R. F. R. McN. (2 coils); 13.xii.l969, A. Y. McN.; 411970 R. F. R. McN.; L. Daniels track, 25.iv.l969, R. F. R. McN.; Oparara R., 2.i.l970, R. F. R. McN. Otago: Secretary Is., 13.ii.l968, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26934). (4) N. menziesii/N. cliffortioides: Canterbury, near Cass, 31.m.l968, M. J. Noonan. (5) N. solandri, Auckland, National Park, Whakapapaiti Stream, 2.v.1967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26606). (6) N. truncata: Nelson: Granite Creek, 6.1.1970, B. J. Denton.

pileus: 2.5-7 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, finely subpruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, greyish magenta, greyish violet, or dull violet, often with yellow or greenish yellow areas; margins entire, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erect, thin-walled or slightly thick-walled, smooth, septate, hair-like hyphae to 125 µm long, 2.5-4.5 µm diam., without staining contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised, tapering apically, originating from inflated, short-celled hyphae arising from a layer of sphaerocysts, becoming disorganised and partially gelatinised with age; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnexed to adnate, crowded, thin, simple or forked near stipe, to 7 mm deep, white to creamy white, not discoloured at maturity but edges occasionally tinted with colours of stipe, lamellulae rare or absent. stipe: 2-5.5 cm long, ± equal or slightly expanded basally, 0.6-1.5 cm diam., dry, solid, finely furfuraceous under lens, paler than pileus, greyish magenta, beetroot, or rose, often with white flesh showing through, flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2.5-4.5 µm diam., terminal cells projecting and aggregated into clumps; caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical to ovate, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to -1.5 µm long, 9-11 X 7.5-9.5 µm, ornamentation dense, of amyloid or partially inamyloid, truncated spines to 1.4-(1.8) µm high, in small confluent groups, joined basally by moderately fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 30-45 X 10.5-13 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform to broadly fusiform, hyaline, thick-walled, walls to 2.5 µm thick at mid point, thinner at base and apex, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 70 µm beyond basidia, apices, acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, 60-135 X 9-21 µm, cheilocystidia numerous, filamentous, septate, simple or occasionally sparingly branched apically, to 5 µm diam., intermixed with a few short pleurocystidia. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: Lamellae and gills mild. chemical characters: formalin n.r.; phenol—slowly faintly deep purplish red; FeSO4—faint salmon pink; guaiacol—n.r.; KOH on pileus —bright brownish orange; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or gregarious under Leptospermum and Nothofagus spp.

Pileus centraliter depressus 2.5-7 cm diam., griseo-violaceus, subtiliter pruinosus; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnexae ad adnatas ad 7 mm altae cremeo-albae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 2-5.5 cm longus, basim parum dilatatus, 0.6-1.5 cm diam., siccus, solidus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae ad ovatas 9-11 x 7.5-9.5 µm, amyloides vel partim inamyloides dense ornatae.

Russula macrocystidiata belongs in section Rigidae and, like R. tawai, is possibly best assigned to subsection Amoeninae (Singer 1962). It resembles R. tawai in many respects, but may be distinguished by the white to creamy white lamellae, white context, thinner walled pleurocystidia projecting to 70 µm beyond the basidia, and the slightly different spore ornamentation.

holotype, pdd 30658

Under N. menziesii, Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 2.i.l968, R. F. R. McN. (HOLOTYPE, pdd 30652).

pileus: 0.7-1.5 cm diam., convex when young, slightly centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid, under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous or finely creviced, innately pruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, pallid red to pastel red; margins entire, thin, faintly pectinate in places. Cuticle composed of erect, thin-walled, or slightly thick-walled, smooth, septate, hair-like hyphae to 100 µm long, 3.5-5 µm diam., hyaline or tinted yellow, occasionally with yellowish contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised, tapering apically, originating from a layer of inflated, sphaerocyst-like cells 5-10 cells deep; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnexed, moderately distant, thin, simple, to 2,5 mm deep, white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare. stipe: 1-1.5 cm long, ± equal, 3-4 mm diam., dry, solid, finely felted under lens, white: flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 3.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells often projecting and aggregated into clumps: caulocystidia absent, spores: spore print not obtained; spores ovate to broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5 µm long, 9.5-11.5 X 8-10 µm, ornamentation of dense, amyloid, truncated spines to 2 µm high, in small confluent groups, joined basally by fine to moderately coarse amyloid ridges and forming an incomplete reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 36-44 X 10-13.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 15 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate or mucronate, 46-63 X 8-12 µm, cheilocystidia absent. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. chemical characters: guaiacol on stipe base—n.r.

Solitary under Nothofagus.

Pileus convexus centraliter depressus 0.7-1.5 cm diam., pallide ruber, siccus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, tenues, leviter pectinati. Lamellae adnexae ad 2.5 mm altae, albae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 1-1.5 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 3-4 mm diam., siccus, solidus, albus. Sporae ovatae ad late ellipticas 9.5-11.5 x 8-10 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

This species belongs in the section Rigidae and is possibly best placed in the subsection Amoeninae as defined by Singer (1962).

HOLOTYPE, pdd 30652

Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park, ]3.ui.l967, R. F. R. McN. (2 coils) (holotype, pdd 26936). (2) N. menziesii and N. solandri var. cliffortioides, Canterbury: near Cass. 25.iv.l969, M. J. Noonan.

pileus: 3.5-5.5 cm diam., centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous, velar remnants absent, pallid cream, cream, or pallid creamy ochraceous, often stained yellowish brown; margins entire, thick, non-pectinate. Cuticle 200-250 µm thick, composed of ± repent or obliquely ascending, interwoven hyphae and pilocystidia; hyphae thin-walled, septate, 2.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia relatively sparse, cylindrical, to fusiform, thin-walled, apices acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, contents refractive in KOH, of variable length, 2.5-6 µm diam. lamellae : adnate, crowded, moderately thick, simple or forked, to 5 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae numerous, typically in partial sequence. stipe: 2-2.5 cm long, ± equal, 0.8-1.2 cm diam., solid, dry, faintly subvelutinate apically under lens, white to pallid creamy white, flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle similar to that of pileus; caulocystidia similar to pilocystidia but more numerous. spores: spore print pallid creamy white; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2)µm long, 8.5-11.2 X 7-9 /un, ornamentation moderately sparse, of amyloid verrucae to 1.2 µm high, isolated or joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum; plage indistinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 50-75 X 9-12 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 8 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, irregularly cylindrical, subclavate, or narrowly fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, not or only slightly projecting beyond basidia, apices acuminate, undulate, capitulate, or occasionally strangulate, 56-88 X 5.5-7.5 µm; cheilocystidia numerous, often I-septate, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, firm. unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste:  lamellae and context—mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly pallid salmon pink; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r.; NH<OH on pileus and context— n.r.

Solitary under Leptospermum and Nothofagus.

Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park, 13.ii.l967, l.iii.l967, 13.iii.l967, 24,v.l967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26626, 26637, 26651, 26614); Bishop's Reserve, 6.1.1967, 6.ii.l967, 17.ii.1967, 8.iii.l967, 6.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26618, 26621, 26629, 26631, 26646, 26943); Birkenhead. Kauri Glen Park, I.V.1971, B. S. Parris (pdd 29127); Parau, Parau Track, 26.ii.l967, G. L. S. Chamberlain (pdd 26636). (2) L. scoparium, Auckland: Henderson Valley, Ferndown track, 10.iii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26648); Karekare, Lone Kauri Rd, 29.iv.l970, J. M. Dingley (pdd 29420); Piha Valley, 27.V.1971, J. M. Dingley (pdd 29431); Titirangi, Clark's Bush, 6.V.1971, B. S. Parris (pdd 29429); Waitakere, Goldies' Bush 4.vi.l971, J. M. D. (3) Leptospermum sp., Auckland: Waitakere, Goldies' Bush, 9.V.1971, B. S. Parris (pdd 29426); Piha, Whites track, 8.vii.l970, J. M. Dingley (pdd 29423); Swanson, Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 5.i.l968 (holotype pdd 30588), 15.i.l968, 19.i.l968, R. F. R. McN.; L. Daniels track, 14.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (3 coils); L. Daniels track, 14.V.1969, R. F. R. Tram Valley Rd, V.1970, J. B. Taylor (pdd 29424); Birkenhead, Kauri Glen Bush, 30.V.1971, J. P. Croxall (pdd 29428); Little Barrier Island, 7.vi.l971, J. B. Taylor (pdd 29426). (4) Nothofagus fusca and N. menziesii, Nelson: Maruia, 7.V.1968, 25.iv.l969, R. F. R. McN. (5) N. menziesii, McN. (2 coils). (6) N. solandri, Canterbury: Ashley Gorge, 3.iii.l968, R. F. R. McN. (7) N. truncata, Auckland Domain, 27.L1967, 3.ii.l967, IO.ii-1967, 6.iii.l967, 15.iii.l967, R. F. R. McN.; Hunua Ra, Mangatangi Valley, 7.V.1970, B. S. Parris (pdd 29432); Nelson, Karamea, Umere, 3.iv.l971, R. F. R. McN.

pileus: 4.5-10 cm diam., hemispherical when young, centrally depressed at maturity,-viscid, glabrous, velar remnants absent, dark brown to dark reddish brown in centre, paling to honey, yellowish brown, creamy brown, or pallid ochraceous at margins with ridges typically darker than intervening grooves, often entirely .yellowish brown under wet conditions; margins thin, entire or dentate, often splitting radially, conspicuously pectinate for 1-1.5 cm. Cuticle often separating between adjacent ridges at margin, composed of repent, obliquely ascending, or occasionally erect hyphae and pilocystidia becoming disorganised and heavily gelatinised with age; hyphae interwoven, thin-walled, septate, 2-4.5 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia numerous, fusiform to cylindrical, thin-walled, apices rounded to acuminate, often capitulate, contents slightly refractive in KOH, of variable length, 5-9 µm diam. lamellae: adnexed to adnate, crowded, moderately thin, simple or forked near stipe, to 8 mm deep, pallid creamy white, typically discoloured with numerous brownish spots and stains at maturity, lamellulae occasionally present. stipe: 2.5-7 cm long, ± equal or slightly expanded basally, 1-2 cm diam., chambered or hollow at maturity, dry, finely felted to subvelutinate under lens, chalk white to sordid white, typically with brownish stains; flesh sordid white to pallid brownish white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven hyphae 2.5-5 µm diam., often aggregated into clumps; caulocystidia sparse, similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print creamy white; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 2 µm long, 9.5-11.5-(12.5) X 8.5-10 µm, ornamentation of moderately dense, amyloid, truncated spines or verrucae to 1.3 µm high, isolated, in small confluent groups, or joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum; plage inconspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 45-70 X 9-15 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long, pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform to subclavate, hyaline, thin-walled, contents slightly refractive in KOH, projecting to 35 µm beyond basidia, apices mucronate, strangulate, or capitulate, 50-115 X 7-12 µm, cheilo-cystidia similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed, context of pileus: white, sordid white, or pallid brownish white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: Formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly brick red, darkening with time; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Gregarious under Leptospermum and Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 4.5-10 cm diam., in centre atrobrunneus ad pallide ochraceum in marginibus, viscidus, glaber, veli vestigia deficiunt; margines tenues, integri, dentati saepe radialibus rimis fissi, pectinati per 1-1.5 cm. Lamellae adnexae ad adnatas, ad 8 mm altae, pallide cremeae maculis brunneis decoloratae; lamellulae aliquando adsunt. Stipes 2.5-7 cm longus, basim parum dilatatus, 1-2 cm diam., cavatus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae 9.5-11.5-(12.5) x 8.5-10 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

There is among the collections examined some variation in spore ornamentation and presence of pilocystidia in the cuticle.The species belongs to section Ingratae, subsection Foetentinae of Singer (1962).

holotype pdd 30588

Under L. scoparium, Wellington: Lake Rotoaira, Papakai, 3.v.1967, R.F.R. McN. (2 colls) (holotype, pdd 26605).

pileus: 3.5-7 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous, finely felted under lens, velar remnants absent, white when first emerging from soil, darkening to cream or creamy ochraceous, often stained with yellowish brown areas: margins entire, thick, non-pectinate. Cuticle 150-200 µm thick, composed of ± repent, interwoven hyphae and pilocystidia; hyphae thin-walled, septate, 2.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised: pilocystidia sparse, ± cylindrical, thin-walled, apices rounded, acuminate, or capitulate, contents refractive in KOH, of variable length, 3.5-5.5 µm diam. lamellae: adnexed to adnate, crowded, moderately thick, simple, or rarely forked near stipe, to 4 mm deep, pallid creamy white, early heavily discoloured with dull brown spots, lamellulae numerous, typically in partial sequence. stipe: 1.5-2.5 cm long ± equal, 1-1.8 cm diam., stout, solid, dry, glabrous, finely felted under lens, white; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle similar to that of pileus; caulocystidia similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print creamy white; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5 µm long, 6.5-8 X 5.5-7µm, ornamentation rather sparse, of amyloid verrucae of irregular size and shape, to 0.7 µm high, isolated or joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum, occasionally a few adjacent verrucae joined by moderately coarse amyloid ridges; plage indistinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 46-63 X 7-9.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 9 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, subclavate to fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, not or only slightly projecting beyond basidia, apices bluntly acuminate, occasionally mucronate, strangulate, or capitulate, 50-70 X 5.5-8.5 µm, cheilocystidia numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, firm, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae acrid, context slightly acrid. chemical characters: Formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous: FeSO4 on context—pallid salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly pink, darkening to pinkish red; KOH on pileus—darkening on coloured areas; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context —n.r.

Gregarious under Leptospermum

Pileus centraliter depressus 3.5-7 cm diam., albus, cremeo-ochraceus, saepe brunneo tinctu decoloratus, leviter viscidus. sub lente coactilibus similis; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri non pectinati. Lamellae adnexae ad adnatas, ad 4 mm altae, pallide cremeae, saepe decoloratae brunneis maculis; lamellulae numerosae. Stipes 1.5-2.5 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1-1.8 cm diam., solidus, siccus, albus, non decoloratus, Sporae late ellipticae 6.5-8 x 5.5-7 µm, amyloides sparse ornatae.

holotype, pdd 26605

Under (1) N. menziesii, Auckland: Rotorua, Mangorewa Gorge, 27.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26596). Nelson: L. Daniels track, 25.iv.l969, 17.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. Oparara, Fenian Track, 9.i.l968, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, PDD 30656). (2) N. solandri: Wellington: Tongariro National Park, Horopito, 1.v. 1967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26599); Whakapapaiti Stream, 2.V.1967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26603); Chateau Area, 2.V.1969, 1.v. 1967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26600). Canterbury: Kowai Bush, 5.ii.l969, E. Horak. (3) N. truncata, Auckland: Rotorua, Mangorewa Gorge, 27.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26595).

pileus: 2-5 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, innately subpruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, greyish magenta, greyish violet, or deep vinaceous-purple, often with olive green or yellowish green areas; margins entire, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erect, hyphae and pilocystidia, often disorganised and partially gelatinised with age; hyphae thin-walled, smooth, septate, 1.5-6 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised, tapering apically, originating from inflated, short-celled hyphae or sphaerocysts, pilocystidia cylindrical to subclavate, often septate, thin-walled, apices bluntly acuminate or mucronate, contents refractive in KOH, occasionally projecting to 60 µm beyond general level of cuticle, 40-150 X 5-10 µm. lamellae: adnate, crowded, thin, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 6 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare or absent. stipe: 1.5-4 cm long, ± equal or expanded basally, 0.6-1.3 cm diam., dry, solid or slightly chambered, finely furfuraceous under lens, pallid greyish red, rose, or pallid greyish magenta with rose tints, often with white flesh showing through; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2.5-4 µm diam., terminal cells projecting and aggregated into clumps; caulocystidia numerous, similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print pallid creamy white; spores broadly elliptical to ovate, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 9-10.5 X 7.5-9 µm, ornamentation moderately dense, of amyloid or partially inamyloid, truncated spines to 1 µm high, in small confluent groups, joined basally by fine to moderately coarse amyloid ridges and forming nodulated bands or an incomplete reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 36-45 X 10.5-13 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 8 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, broadly fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 35 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, 60-100 X 7.5-13.5 µm; cheilocystidia rare to numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink—guaiacol on stipe base—n.r.; KOH on pileus—magenta colour disappears leaving area orange-red: on context —n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or in pairs under Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 2-5 cm diam., griseo-violaceus, leviter viscidus, subpruinosus; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 6 mm altae pallide cremeae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 1.5-4 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis vel basim dilatatus, 0.6-1.3 cm diam., solidus, vel parum cavatus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae ad ovatas 9-10.5 x 7.5-9 µm, amyloides vel inamyloides dense ornatae.

holotype, PDD 30656

Under—(1) N. fusca and N. menziesii Nelson: Maruia, 13.iv. 1968, 25.iv.l969, R. F. R. McN. (2) N. menziesii, Nelson: Kara-mea, Umere, 15.U968, R. F. R, McN. (holotype, PDD 30625), 30.xii.l969, 4.L1970, R. F. R. McN. Lewis Pass l.ii.l970, R. F, R. McN. (3) N. truncata. Nelson: L. Hanlon track, II.V.1971, R. F. R. McN.; N. solandri, Wellington, Tongariro National Park, Whakapapaiti Stream, 2.V.1967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26538).

pileus: 6-8 cm diam., centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid, glabrous in centre, pseudoareolate towards margins, velar remnants absent, dark brown, dark reddish brown, or brownish orange in centre, paling to pallid reddish brown, brownish orange, or fawn with a mottled appearance towards margins; margins entire, non-pectinate. Cuticle slightly gelatinised at maturity, composed of ± repent or obliquely ascending, interwoven, thin-walled, septate hyphae 3.5-8 µm, diam., with yellowish brown contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnate, moderately crowded, moderately thick, simple or forked near stipe, to 7 mm deep, pallid cream with faint brown or pinkish brown tints, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare. stipe: 2.5-4.5 cm long, ± equal, 1.2-2.2 cm diam., solid or slightly chambered at maturity, dry, finely felted to sub-pruinose under lens, pallid brownish white with faint pink tints to pallid brown; flesh white to brownish white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 4-6 µm, diam., terminal cells unspecialised, aggregated and projecting in places, caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly ovate, obovate, or broadly elliptical, prominently obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 2.5 µm long, 8.5-11 X 7.5-10 µm, ornamentation of moderately dense, amyloid verrucae and crests to l-(1.5) µm high, joined by fine to moderately fine amyloid ridges and forming an almost complete reticulum; plage absent. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 40-67 X 9-13.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 9 ^m long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous fusiform to subclavate, yellow tinted, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 25 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, capitulate, or mucronate, 60-90 X 6.5-12 µm cheilocystidia rare, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, ± bilateral; mediostratum composed of sphaerocysts and connective hyphae, pigmented, sharply delimited from the lateral stratum composed of rather loosely interwoven connective hyphae. context of pileus: white to brownish white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r; phenol on context— slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly greyish green; guaiacol on stipe base—pallid salmon pink; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or gregarious under Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 6-8 cm diam., rubro-fuscus, pallescens ad margines, leviter viscidus, pseudoareolatus; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae, ad 7 mm altae, pallide cremeae, cum dilute brunneo tinctu; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 25-4.5 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1.2-2.2 cm diam., solidus, concolor cum pileo, Sporae late ovatae ad late ellipticas, 8.5-11 x 7.5-10 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

holotype, PDD 30625

Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park, 4.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN., (holotype pdd 26574). (2) L. scoparium. Auckland: Henderson Valley, Sharp's Bush, 20.ii.l967; 6.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26573, 26543).

pileus: 2.5-4 cm diam., convex when young, plano-convex to slightly centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous or occasionally finely creviced under dry conditions, finely subpruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, reddish grey, greyish ruby, rose, or pallid red; margins entire, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erect, thin-walled, smooth, septate, hair-like hyphae to 100 µm long, 3-6.5 µm diam., without coloured contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised, tapering apically, originating from inflated, short-celled hyphae; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnexed, moderately crowded, moderately thick, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 5 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity but edges often tinted with colours of stipe, lamellulae rare. stipe: 2-2.5 cm long, ± equal, 0.5-0.8 cm diam., dry, solid, finely felted to subpruinose under lens, concolorous with or paler than pileus. White flesh often showing through (in places); flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 3.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells projecting and aggregated into clumps; caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print white; spores obovate to broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 8-10.5 X 7-9 µm. ornamentation of amyloid verrucae to 0.7 µm high, joined by fine to moderately coarse amyloid ridges and forming an incomplete, nodulated reticulum, in small confluent groups, or occasionally isolated: plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 35-53 X 9.5-14.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 8.5 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform to broadly fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents sparse, projecting to 40 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, mucronate, or occasionally strangulate, 55-110 X 6.5-16 µm; cheilocystidia numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context slowly extremely bitter. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly faint salmon pink; KOH and NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary under Leptospermum.

Pileus plano-convexus, centraliter depressus 2.5-4 cm diam., rubro-griseus, siccus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnexae ad 5 mm altae cremeo-albae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 2-2.5 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 0.5-0.8 cm diam., siccus, solidus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae obovatae ad late ellipticas 8-10.5 x 7-9 µm, amyloides ornatae.

holotype pdd 26574

Under (1) N. fusca and N. menziesii. Nelson: L. Daniels track, 15.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (2) N. menziesii, L. Daniels track, 14.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 30657), (2 coils); Karamea, Umere, 411970, R. F. R. McN.

pileus: 3-6 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly to moderately viscid, glabrous, velar remnants absent, white to sordid white with faint greyish magenta, greyish purple, or reddish grey tints in centre; margins entire, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erect or obliquely ascending, interwoven, thin-walled, smooth, septate hyphae 3-5 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised, becoming disorganised and gelatinised with age; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnexed to adnate, crowded, thin, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 5 mm deep, white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare. stipe: 3-6 cm long, ± equal or expanded basally, 1-1.8 cm diam., dry, solid, white; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells projecting, aggregated into clumps; caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 9-12 X 8.5-10.5 µm, ornamentation dense, of amyloid or partially inamyloid, truncated spines to 1.5 µm high, in small confluent groups, joined basally by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum, or isolated; plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 42-66 X 10-14 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 8 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, subclavate to fusiform, occasionally I- or 2-septate, hyaline, thick-walled, walls to 2 µm thick at mid point, thinner at base and apex, contents sparse, projecting to 20 µm beyond basidia, apices rounded, acuminate, or occasionally irregularly acuminate, 45-88 X 9-14 µm, cheilocystidia numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter and thinner walled. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.: phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—n.r.; KOH on pileus—colour disappears in pigmented areas leaving tested portion orange-red; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context— n.r.

Solitary or gregarious under Nothofagus.

Pileus convexus, centraliter depressus 3-6 cm diam., griseo-magenteus, viscidus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnexae ad adnatas, ad 5 mm altae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 3-6 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis vel basim dilatatus, 1-1.8 cm diam., siccus, solidus, albus. Sporae late ellipticae 9-12 x 8.5-10,5µm, amyloides vel partim inamyloides dense ornatae.

holotype, pdd 30657

Under L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park. l.iii.l967, 13.iii.l967, ll.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26575; PDD 26576; PDD 26544); Henderson Valley, Sharp's Bush, 6.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, PDD 26577); 16.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26578).

pileus: 6-10 cm diam., hemispherical when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, subpruinose or finely rimose-areolate in centre, adpressed-squamulose or finely rimose towards margins, deep fawn, brown, or dark brown in centre, paling to light brown, brownish orange, or greyish brown with a mottled appearance towards margins; margins entire, thick, non pectinate. Cuticle slightly gelatinised at maturity, composed of ± repent, obliquely ascending, or occasionally erect, interwoven, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2.5-7 µm diam., with yellow-brown contents in KOH, terminal cells tapering apically, unspecialised; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnate to subdecurrent moderately crowded, moderately thick, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 10 mm deep, creamy white to sordid creamy white with pallid grey tints, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare. stipe: 3-6 cm long, ± equal or slightly expanded basally, 1.5-3 cm diam., solid or slightly hollowed at maturity, dry, finely felted to subvelutinate, pallid brown or greyish brown, paling to brownish white basally; flesh sordid white to brownish white, rather coarsely granular, browning slightly on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2.5-7.5 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised, tapering apically, projecting at right angles or obliquely and forming a loose palisade; caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print white; spores broadly ovate, obovate, or broadly elliptical, prominently obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 2.5 µm, long, 8.5-10.5 X 7.5-9.5 µm, ornamentation of moderately dense, amyloid verrucae and crests to 0.7 µm high, joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming an almost complete reticulum; plage absent. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 42-61 X 9-13 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7.5 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform to subclavate, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 20 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, capitulate, or mucronate, 55-100 X 6.5-11 µm: cheilocystidia sparse, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, ± bilateral; mediostratum composed of sphaerocysts and connective hyphae, pigmented and sharply delimited from the lateral stratum composed of rather loosely interwoven connective hyphae. context of pileus: white to sordid white, browning slightly on exposure; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—slowly vinaceous; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeS04 on context—rapidly dull greyish green; guaiacol on stipe base— rapidly salmon pink, darkening with time; KOH on pileus—darkening slightly; on context—faint yellowing; NH4OH on pileus and context— n.r.

>Solitary or in pairs under Leptospermum.

Pileus applanatus, centraliter depressus 6-10 cm diam., fuscus in centro, pallescens ad pallide brunneum tinctum in margine, siccus, rimosus; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad subdecurrentes, ad 10 mm altae, sordide cremeo-albae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 3-6 cm longus, basim parum dilatatus, 1.5-3 cm diam., solidus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ovatae, obovatae, vel late ellipticae 8.5-10.5 x 7.5-9.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

holotype, PDD 26577

Under (1)' N. fusca, Nelson: L. Daniels track, 13.v. 1969, 15.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (2) 'N. fusca and N. menziesii, Nelson: L. Daniels track, 14.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (3) N. menziesii. Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 2.i.l969, 8.i.l969, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 30653); Umere, 29.xii.l969, R. F. R. McN; L. Daniels track, 14.V.1969; 15.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (4) N. solandri, Canterbury: Craigieburn, 5.ii.1969, B. Segedin; Wellington: Tongariro National Park, Whakapapaiti Stream, 2.V.1967, R. F. R. McN. (5) Nothofagus sp. Nelson, Lewis Pass, l.ii.l970, A. P. Mulcock.

pileus: 1.5-4.5 cm diam., hemispherical when young, centrally depressed at maturity, dry at first, becoming viscid with age and under wet conditions, glabrous or occasionally finely areolately creviced towards margins, finely innately pruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, red to dark red in centre, paling to greyish rose, rose, or pink at margins, sometimes creamy white to pallid cream with pink, rose, purplish grey, or yellowish tints; margins entire, thin, non-pectinate or faintly pectinate in places. Cuticle to 150 µm thick, composed of erect, hair-like hyphae and pilocystidia forming a palisade, becoming disorganised and gelatinised with age; hair-like hyphae thin-walled, smooth, septate, 2.5-4 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia subclavate to clavate, thin-walled, apices bluntly acuminate, contents refractive in KOH, 40-100 X 6-12,5 µm. lamellae: adnate, moderately crowded, thin, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 4 mm deep, white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare or absent. stipe: 2-4 cm long, ±: equal or slightly expanded basally, 0.5-1.2 cm diam., dry, solid, finely subpruinose under lens, white; unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle a disorganised palisade or thin-walled, septate hyphae and numerous subclavate to clavate caulocystidia. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical to ovate, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 10-12 X 9-10.5 µm, ornamentation of moderately dense, amyloid, truncated spines to 1.5-(1.8) µm high, solitary, in small confluent groups, or joined basally by fine amyloid ridges and forming an almost complete reticulum; plage inconspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 39-52 X 10,5-15 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform to broadly fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 15 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate or slightly strangulate, 54-98 X 9-14.5 µm; cheilocystidia similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging, structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. smell: not distinctive. taste: lamellae and context extremely acrid. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.: phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly salmon pink: guaiacol on stipe base—slowly pinkish red; KOH on pileus—red colours disappearing leaving area orange; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context— n.r.

Gregarious under Nothofagus.

Pileus hemisphaericus centraliter depressus 1.5-4.5 cm diam. ruber ad fuscum, viscidus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines pallidiores, integri, tenues, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 4 mm altae, albae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 2-4 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 0.5-1.2 cm diam., solidus, siccus, albus. Sporae late ellipticae vel ovatae, 10-12 x 9-10.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

holotype, pdd 30653

Under N. solandri, Canterbury: Kowai Bush, 5.ii.l969, R. F. R. McN., (holotype, pdd 30659); wellington: Tongariro National Park, I.V.1967, 2.V.1967, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26602, 26601) Oturere Stream, 8.iv.l965, R. F. R. McN. (pdd 26932).

pileus: 2-6 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, finely sub-pruinose to pruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, deep greyish magenta, often dark grey to black and finely creviced giving a sooty appearance towards margins, sometimes with faint greenish yellow patches; margins entire non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erect, thin-walled or slightly thick-walled, smooth or finely roughened, septate, hair like hyphae to 150 µm long, 3.5-7 µm diam., without coloured contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised, tapering apically, originating from a layer of sphaerocysts 5-10 cells deep; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnate, crowded, thin, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 5 mm deep, cream to pallid ochraceous, not discoloured at maturity but edges occasionally tinted with colours of stipe, lamellulae rare or absent. stipe: 2-4.5 cm long, ± equal or expanded basally, 0.5-1 cm diam., dry, solid or slightly chambered at maturity, finely furfuraceous under lens, pink, pinkish red, pinkish magenta, or dull greyish red, flesh often showing through; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 3.5-6 µm diam., terminal cells projecting and aggregated into clumps; caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 10-13 X 9-11.2 µm, ornamentation of dense, amyloid or partially inamyloid, truncated spines to 1.5 µm high, isolated or in small confluent groups, rarely adjacent spines joined basally by fine amyloid ridges, plage distinct. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 35-47 XI 1-15 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 8 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, broadly fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents sparse, refractive in KOH, projecting to 15 µm beyond basidia, 49-73 X 10-16.5 µm, cheilocystidia numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed, oleiferous hyphae rare. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context —n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context— rapidly greyish green; guaiacol on stipe base—n.r.; KOH on pileus— magenta colour disappearing leaving area orange-red; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or gregarious under Nothofagus.

Pileus convexus, centraliter depressus 2-6 cm diam., saturate griseo-magenteus, subtiliter pruinosus; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 5 mm altae, pallide ochraceae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 2-4.5 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 0.5-1 cm diam., siccus, solidus, roseo-magenteus. Sporae late ellipticae 10-13 x 9-11.2 µm, amyloides vel partim amyloides dense ornatae.

The species is characterised by the cream to pallid ochraceous lamellae, the densely ornamented spores, and the greyish green colour reaction of the context with FeSO4 Russula roseostipitata belongs in section Rigidae, although it is difficult to place it in any of the subsections recognised by Singer (1962). The distinctive cuticular structure indicates that it belongs near subsection Virescentinae.

holotype, pdd 30659

Under N. truncata, Auckland: Rotorua, Mangorewa Gorge, 25.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 26566).

pileus: 6 cm diam., centrally depressed at maturity, viscid, glabrous, velar remnants absent, light brown to pallid reddish brown in centre, paling to greyish brown at margins; margins entire, shallowly pectinate for I cm. Cuticle composed of repent or obliquely ascending, loosely interwoven, hyaline, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2-5 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised, tapering apically, becoming heavily gelatinised; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnate, crowded, moderately thin, simple or forked near stipe, to 5 mm deep, white to dull white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare. stipe: 3.5 cm long, equal, 0.8 cm diam., solid, dry, finely felted under lens, pallid reddish grey; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2-6 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised, projecting obliquely. spores: spore print white; spores broadly elliptical, obovate, or pip-shaped, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 7-9 X 5.5-7.5 µm, ornamentation of moderately dense, amyloid verrucae to 0.7 µm high, isolated, in small confluent groups, or joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming a fragmentary reticulum; plage absent. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 42-58 X 8-10.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 25 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, capitulate or occasionally mucronate, 55-94 X 6-10 µm, cheilocystidia similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly dark brown with faint vinaceous tints; FeSO4 on context—rapidly dull greyish red; guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly salmon pink, darkening with time; KOH on pileus—darkening slightly; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary under Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 6 cm diam., pallide rubro-brunneus ad marginem pallescens, viscidus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, pectinati per 1 cm. Lamellae adnatae, obscure albae ad 5 mm altae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 3,5 cm longus, aequalis, 0.8 cm diam., solidus, siccus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae 7-9 X 5.5-7.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

holotype, pdd 26566

Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park, 24.iii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26633); l.iii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26546): 7.iii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, PDD 26641); ll.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26586); Birkenhead, Kauri Glen Park, I.V.1971, B. S. Parris (PDD 29440). (2) N. menziesii. Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 4.i.l970, R. F. R. McN. (3) N. truncata, Auckland: Rotorua, Mangorewa Gorge, 25.iv.l967, R.F.R. McN. (PDD 26594).

pileus: 4-6.5 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, glabrous to finely rugulose, pruinose to subvelutinate under lens, velar remnants absent, greyish pink, greyish red, dull red, or pallid vinaceous, occasionally deep vinaceous in centre, often mottled greyish pink and white, typically with grey overtones in dry weather, sometimes with greenish yellow areas; margins entire, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erect, thin-walled, smooth, septate or aseptate, hair-like hyphae to 50 µm long, without staining contents in KOH, tapering apically, originating from slightly to moderately inflated, short-celled hyphae, becoming disorganised with age; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnate, moderately crowded, thick, simple or forked near stipe, to 7 mm deep, cream, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae present. stipe: 2-4 cm long, ± equal or tapering basally, 1-2 cm diam., dry, solid, finely felted under lens, white to pallid creamy white; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of a loose palisade of hair-like hyphae similar to those of pileus, soon disorganised with age; caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print pallid ochre; spores elliptical to broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate. apiculus to 1.5 µm long, 9-11 X 8-9.5 µm, ornamentation of rather sparse, amyloid or partially inamyloid crests and ridges to 1.2-(1.6) µm high, forming an almost complete reticulum; plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 35-52 X 11-15.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform, hyaline, thin-walled or slightly thick-walled, contents sparse, projecting to 30 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, or protracted and capitulate, 63-91 X 7-12.5 µm; cheilocystidia rare to moderately numerous, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, firm, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context—rapidly pallid salmon pink; KOH and NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary or occasionally in pairs under Leptospermum and Nothofagus.

Pileus convexus centraliter depressus 4-6.5 cm diam., griseo-ruber, siccus, glaber; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 7 mm altae, cremeae; lamellulae adsunt. Stipes 2-4 cm longus, aequalis vel basim angustatus, 1-2 cm diam., siccus, solidus, pallide cremeus. Sporae ellipticae ad late ellipticas 9-11 x 8-9.5 µm, amyloides ornatae.

holotype, PDD 26641

Under (1) N. fusca. Nelson: L. Daniels track, 14.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 30660); Karamea, Umere, 4.L1970, R. F. R. McN. (2) N. menziesii. Nelson: L. Daniels track, 14.V.1969, (2 coils) 15.V.1969, 16.V.1969, R. F. R. McN.; Karamea, Umere, 29.xii.l969, R. F. R. McN. (3) N. menziesii N. fusca, Nelson: Manila, 27.iii.l970, R. F. R. McN. (4) N. truncata. Nelson, Karamea, Granite Creek, 12.V.1971, R. F. R. McN. (2 coils): Taffytown, IO.v-1971, R, F. R. McN.; Karamea, Umere, 611971, IO.V.1971, 14.V.1971, R. F. R. McN.

pileus: 4.5-7 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, finely subpruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, dark magenta to greyish magenta, or greyish purple, frequently with yellow, greenish yellow, dull olive green, or dark reddish brown areas; margins entire, thick, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erect, thin-walled, smooth, septate, hair-like hyphae to 100 µm long, 2.5-4.5 µm diam., without staining contents in KOH, terminal cells unspecialised, tapering apically, originating from inflated, short-celled hyphae arising from a layer of sphaerocysts, becoming disorganised with age; pilocystidia absent: lamellae: adnate, moderately crowded, thin, simple or forked near stipe, to 12 mm deep, creamy yellow to pallid yellow, not discoloured at maturity but edges typically tinted with colours of stipe, lamellulae rare or absent. stipe: 2.5-5 cm long, ± equal or slightly expanded basally, 1-2.3 cm diam., dry, solid, finely furfuraceous under lens, pallid greyish magenta or pallid greyish purple, often with rose tints, flesh often showing through; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven, repent, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2.5-5 µm diam., terminal cells projecting and aggregated into clumps, caulocystidia absent. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical to ovate, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long. 8.5-10.5 X 7.5-9.5 ornamentation of amyloid or partially inamyloid truncated spines to l- (1.5) µm high, in small confluent groups, joined basally by fine amyloid ridges and forming an incomplete reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage weakly amyloid, inconspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 42-53 X 10-12 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform or sub-clavate, hyaline, thick-walled, walls to 6 µm thick at mid point, thinner at base and apex, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 25 µm beyond basidia, apices acuminate, strangulate, or mucronate, occasionally capitulate, 60-110 X 9-13 µm, cheilocystidia numerous, filamentous, septate, simple or occasionally sparingly branched apically, to 5 µm diam. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: creamy yellow to pallid yellow, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae slowly acrid, context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context— slowly slate grey with purplish or vinaceous tints; FeSO4 on context— rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—n.r.; KOH on pileus— magenta colour disappears leaving area orange-red; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus—green; on context—n.r.

Solitary or gregarious under Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus, 4.5-7 cm diam., fusco-magenteus ad griseo. purpureum, subtiliter pruinosus; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, crassi, nor pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 12 mm altae, cremeo-flavae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 2.5-5 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1-2.3 cm diam., solidus, siccus. subroseo-ruber. Sporae late ellipticae 8.5-10.5 X 7.5-9.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

The species is characterised by the creamy yellow lamellae, typically with purplish tinted edges, thin-walled pleurocystidia, thin-walled filamentous cheilocystidia, and the slowly acrid taste of the lamellae. The combination of colour reactions to phenol, KOH, and NH4OH is also characteristic. Russula tawai belongs in section Rigidae and is possibly best assigned to subsection Amoeninae (Singer 1962).

holotype, pdd 30660

>Under (1) Nothofagus, Auckland: Rotorua, Mangorewa Gorge, 25.iv.l967, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, pdd 26541). (2) Leptospermum sp. Auckland: Ngaruawahia, vii.l969, 25.vi.l970, E. P. White.

pileus: 2.5 cm diam., plano-convex, dry, tomentose to villose, vinaceous purple with greyish brown overtones imparted by the tomentum; margins entire, slightly involute, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erect, thick-walled, scabrous, yellowish brown, septate, hair-like hyphae to 300 µm long, 3.5-5 µm diam., without coloured contents in KOH, terminal cells tapering apically, originating from inflated, short-celled hyphae; pilocystidia absent. lamellae: adnexed, crowded, simple, to 3 mm deep, bright yellow, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae absent. stipe: 3.5 cm long, tapering apically to 0.6 cm diam., 0.8 cm diam. basally, solid, dry, finely granular-furfuraceous under lens, pinkish red, white flesh showing through; flesh white. Cuticle composed of interwoven, ± repent hyphae 3-7 µm diam., aggregated into clumps with ends projecting obliquely or at right angles to surface, terminal cells unspecialised, smooth, or scabrous. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5 µm long, 10-12 X 9-10.5 µm, ornamentation moderately dense, of amyloid or partially inamyloid, truncated spines to 1.4-(1.8) µm high, typically joined basally by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum, in small confluent groups, or occasionally isolated; plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 37-50 X 11-15.5 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 8 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, broadly fusiform, tinted, thin-walled, contents inconspicuous, projecting to 30 µm beyond basidia, 50-77 X 10.5-17.5 µm, cheilocystidia similar to pleurocystidia but shorter and narrower. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: fresh, colour unknown. Yellowish when dry; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent.

Solitary on rotten wood of Nothofagus, and under Leptospermum sp.

Pileus plano-convexus 2.5 cm diam., vinaceo-purpureus, tomentosus; margines integri, leviter involuti, non pectinati. Lamellae adnexae ad 3 mm altae, flavae; lamellulae deficiunt. Stipes 3.5 cm longus, apice angustatus ad 0.6 cm diam.. basim 0.8 cm diam., solidus. siccus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae 10-12 X 9-10.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

holotype, pdd 26541

Under (1) N. fusca. Nelson: Karamea, Kongahu, 29.xii.l969, R. F. R. McN. (2) N. menziesii, Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 2.i.l969, R. F. R. and R. J. McN. (holotype, PDD 30664); 8.i.l969, R. F. R. McN.; Umere, 4.i.l970, R. F. R. McN.; 4.i.l970, R. J. McN.; 29.xii.l969, R. F. R. McN. L. Daniels track, 15.V.1969, R. F. R. McN. (3) N. solandri, Canterbury: Kowai Bush, 5.ii.1969, B. Segedin.

pileus: 3.5-8 cm diam., convex when young, centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid under wet conditions, otherwise dry, innately subpruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, greyish magenta, pallid greyish violet, paling towards margins, sometimes with pallid red or faint green areas; margins entire, non-pectinate. Cuticle composed of erector obliquely ascending, interwoven hyphae and pilocystidia; hyphae thin-walled, smooth, septate, 2-5 µm diam., terminal cells unspecialised; pilocystidia subclavate, occasionally septate, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, to 100 µm long, 3.5-6 µm diam. lamellae: adnate, crowded, thin, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 6 mm deep, white to pallid creamy white, not discoloured at maturity, lamellulae rare or absent. stipe: 2.5-4 cm long, ± equal, 0.8-1.5 cm diam., solid, dry, white; flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of repent, interwoven, thin-walled, septate hyphae 2-5 µm diam., caulocystidia numerous, similar to pilocystidia. spores: spore print not obtained; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 7.5-10 X 7-8.5 µm, ornamentation moderately dense, of amyloid verrucae and truncated spines to 0.7-(l) µm high, in small confluent groups, joined basally by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum, or occasionally isolated; plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 35-53 X 9.5-12 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform or clavate, hyaline, thin-walled, contents sparse, projecting to 20 µm beyond basidia, apices bluntly acuminate, strangulate, or capitulate, 49-78 X 7.5-11.5 µm, cheilocystidia rare, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: unknown. chemical characters: unknown.

Solitary under Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 3.5-8 cm diam., griseo-magenteus, subpruinosus; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 6 mm altae, pallide cremeo-albae; lamellulae rarae. Stipes 2.5-4 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, -0.8-1.5 cm diam., albus. Sporae late ellipticae 7.5-10 X 7-8.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

holotype, PDD 30664

Under (1) L. ericoides, Auckland: Titirangi Bishop's Reserve, 6.ii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, PDD 26620), 17.ii.l967 R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26548a), 8.m.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26548b), 6.iv.l967 R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26944); 24.V.1967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26610); Titirangi 7.ii.l967, R. F. R. McN. (PDD 26623); titirangi, Atkinson Park, II iv.l967, R. F R. McN. (PDD26589). (2) L. scoparium, Auckland: Titirangi, Atkinson Park 15.iv.l970, J. B. Taylor (PDD 29396). (3) Leptospermum sp„ Auckland: Waitakere Goldie's Bush, 9.V.1971, J. P. Croxall (PDD 29397). (4) N. truncata, Auckland Domain, 2111967, 15.iii.l967, 10.ii.l967, R. F. R. McN, (PDD 26616. 26938, 26625). (5) N. menziesii. Nelson: Karamea, Umere, 26.xii.l969, R. F. R. McN.

pileus: 3.5-9 cm diam., hemispherical when young, centrally depressed at maturity, viscid, early creviced with areolate patches crowded in centre and becoming less numerous and scattered towards margins, ground colour dark brownish black, dark brown, or dark greyish brown in centre, paling to brownish grey towards margins with ridges typically darker than intervening grooves, areolae greyish ruby, greyish magenta, or  vinaceous; margins thin, entire, distinctly or faintly pectinate for up to 1.5 cm from edge. Cuticle consisting of distinct epicutis and subcutis: epicutis composed of erect or tangled, smooth, septate, thin-walled,  hair like hyphae to 200 µm long, 2.5-5 µm diam., without coloured contents but walls reddish brown in KOH, arising from relatively short-celled, slightly inflated hyphae; subcutis heavily gelatinised, composed of interwoven, thin-walled, septate hyphae 1.5-4.5 µm diam., repent or obliquely ascending, oleiferous hyphae occasionally present. lamellae: adnexed to adnate, crowded, moderately thin, simple or forked near stipe, to 8 mm deep, sordid white to pallid creamy white with greyish tints, discoloured with numerous dull reddish brown or rusty spots and stains at maturity, lamellulae rare to numerous. stipe: 1.5-4 cm long, ± equal, 0.8-2 cm diam., solid or chambered, occasionally hollowed at maturity, dry, subglabrous to finely felted under lens, white, sordid white, or pallid creamy white, often with greyish tints, greyish ruby to vinaceous at extreme base; flesh white to sordid white, unchanging-on exposure to air. Cuticle composed of interwoven hyphae 4-7.5 µm diam., terminal cells tapering apically, projecting, aggregated into clumps and incorporating caulocystidia-like elements with capitulate apices. spores: spore print cream to creamy yellow; spores broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5-(2) µm long, 7.5-10 X 6.5-8.5 µm, ornamentation of moderately dense, amyloid verrucae to 0.7 µm high, isolated, in small confluent groups, or joined by moderately fine amyloid ridges and forming an incomplete reticulum; plage absent. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 39-48 X 7.5-10 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, sparse, fusiform to subclavate or clavate, hyaline, thin-walled, contents sparse, projecting to 20 µm beyond basidia, apices strangulate or capitulate, 52-75 X 7.5-10 µm; cheilocystidia sparse, similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: Sordid white to pallid brownish white, unchanging; structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context —n.r.; phenol on context—slowly deep vinaceous; FeSO4 on context— rapidly salmon pink; guaiacol on stipe base—rapidly pinkish orange, darkening with time; KOH on pileus—darkening; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

solitary or gregarious under Leptospermum and Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 3.5-9 cm diam., fusco-niger, viscidus, rimosus; veli vestigia adsunt; margines tenues, integri, pectinati autem ad 1.5 cm ab extremo pileo. Lamellae adnexae ad adnatas, ad 8 mm altae, pallide cremeae, rubro-brunneo tinctu decoloratae; lamellulae rarae ad numerosas. Stipes 1.5-4 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 0.8-2 cm diam., solidus vel cavatus, concolor cum pileo. Sporae late ellipticae 7.5-10 x 6.5-8.5 µm, amyloides dense ornatae.

The epicutis appears to be velar remnants but the long hairs are parts of the cuticle which early crevices into areolate patches.

holotype, PDD 26620

Under N. solandri, Wellington: Tongariro National Park, near Chateau, I.V.1967, R. F. R. McN. (holotype, PDD 26551).

pileus: 4.5 cm diam., centrally depressed at maturity, slightly viscid, glabrous, finely rugulose and creviced towards margins, innately subpruinose under lens, velar remnants absent, bright red to madder red; margins entire, thin, non-pectinate. Cuticle 100-150 µm thick, composed of inflated hyphae and pilocystidia forming a palisade; inflated hyphae hyaline, short-celled, thin-walled, smooth, terminal cells unspecialised, arising from a cellular layer; pilocystidia numerous, cylindrical, subclavate, or fusiform, thin-walled, occasionally 1-septate. contents refractive in KOH, often projecting beyond general level of cuticle, 50-150 X 5-7.5 µm. lamellae: adnate, crowded, thin, simple or occasionally forked near stipe, to 4 mm deep, white, not discoloured at maturity but tinted bright red in places, lamellulae absent. stipe: 3.5 cm long, ± equal, 1 cm diam., solid, dry, finely felted under lens, white with faint reddish tints, flesh white, unchanging on exposure to air. Cuticle a palisade of hyaline, septate hyphae 2-4.5 µm diam. and numerous cylindrical, subclavate, or fusiform caulocystidia. spores: spore print not obtained; spores elliptical to broadly elliptical, obliquely apiculate, apiculus to 1.5 µm long, 7-10 X 6.5-8 µm, ornamentation of amyloid truncated spines and verrucae to 0.7-(1) µm high, isolated, in confluent groups, or joined by fine amyloid ridges and forming a partial reticulum; plage conspicuous. hymenium: basidia hyaline, clavate, 33-45 X 8.5-11 µm, 4-spored, sterigmata to 7 µm long; pleurocystidia scattered, numerous, fusiform to narrowly lageniform, hyaline, thin-walled, contents refractive in KOH, projecting to 25 µm beyond basidia, 46-70 X 7.5-10.5 µm; cheilocystidia similar to pleurocystidia but shorter. hymenophoral trama: heteromerous, intermixed. context of pileus: white, unchanging, structure heteromerous, clamp connections absent. taste: lamellae and context mild. chemical characters: formalin on context—n.r.; phenol on context—n.r.; FeSO4 on context—rapidly faint pink; guaiacol on stipe base—slowly faint pink; KOH on pileus—bleaching action on red colour; on context—n.r.; NH4OH on pileus and context—n.r.

Solitary under Nothofagus.

Pileus centraliter depressus 4.5 cm diam., vivide ruber, glaber, rugulosus marginem versus; veli vestigia deficiunt; margines integri, tenues, non pectinati. Lamellae adnatae ad 4 mm altae, albae; lamellulae deficiunt. Stipes 3.5 cm longus, plus minusve aequalis, 1 cm diam., solidus, siccus, albus cum roseo tinctu. Sporae ellipticae ad late ellipticas 7-10 x 6.5-8 µm, amyloides ornatae.

holotype, PDD 26551