The taxonomy and distribution of rare or uncommon species of Albatrellus in western North America

Habitat data, although sparse, and occurrence are summarized for nine rare or uncommon species of Albatrellus. Significant range extensions are Albatrellus avellaneus in British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington, Albatrellus caeruleoporus in California, British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington, Albatrellus dispansus in Washington, Albatrellus ellisii in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, Albatrellus flettii in Alaska, Alberta, northern British Columbia, Idaho, New Mexico, and Wyoming, Albatrellus subrubescens in Alberta, California, Northwest Territories, and Washington, Albatrellus syringae in North America (Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon Territory). Three additional collections of Albatrellus skamanius bring the total known collections of the species to four; all are from the same general locality. A key to the western species, emphasizing features of fresh basidiomes, is included. The basidiome features of these species are supplemented with data from additional collections. Spore sizes in several species are more critically defined. Amyloidity occurred in basidiospores and (or) hyphae of A. avellaneus, Albatrellus affin. cristatus, A. ellisii, A. flettii, A. skamanius, and A. subrubescens. Key words: systematics, ecology, Basidiomycetes, conservation, biodiversity, fungi.