ABSTRACT: Field investigations in the Sicilian territory allowed the study of Pleurotus eryngii basidiomata growing in association with Thapsia garganica. The evaluation of morphological, ecological, distribution, and isozyme and PCR-RAPD data together with a revision of Bresadola's herbarium specimens kept in the Herbarium Botanische Staatssammlung (M) led to the description of a new variety, Pleurotus eryngii var. thapsiae var. nov.

KEYWORDS: fungal taxonomy, ecology, Mediterranean area, Pleurotus eryngii, Umbellifers, edible mushrooms, Apiaceae

NOMENCLATURAL NOVELTIES:
Pleurotus eryngii (DC.:Fr) Quél. var. thapsiae Venturella, Zervakis & Saitta, p. 70