The genus Astraeus is shown to be even more complex than recent studies have found. There are problems defining what the molecular fingerprint is of the generic type species. The present article, based on molecular and morphological information and the classical literature, attempts to throw further light on these important ectomycorrhizal fungi. Our studies go part way in an endeavour to unravel the taxonomy and systematics of this genus, necessitating the recognition of at least three new species. Potential nomenclatural problems are also outlined.
Keywords: Ectomycorrhizal fungi; ITS nrDNA; gasteromycetes; nomenclature; phylogeny; taxonomy.