The species of Sclerodermafrom Argentina, including a new species from the Nothofagusforest

Five ectomycorrhizal species of Sclerodermawere identified from herbarium and field-collected specimens from Argentina. A new hypogeous species, Scleroderma patagonicum, was recorded in association with native Nothofagusspp. in Patagonia. The epigeous species S. albidum, S. areolatum, S. bovista and S. citrinumwere associated with various exotic tree species. A phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS region of Sclerodermaspecies, including S. patagonicum, illustrates its distinct status within Scleroderma, including its placement among species with reticulate spores. Descriptions with SEM images of the spores and a key to the species are provided.