Observations on Gasteromycetes—VIII. Persoon’s specimens of Geastrum pectinatum Pers. and a reassessment of Geastrum plicatum Berk. and G. tenuipes Berk

The authentic collections of Geastrum pectinatum Pers., G. plicatum Berk. and G. tenuipes Berk, are redescribed. Persoon’s collection in the Rijksherbarium, Leiden, is designated as the Neotype of G. pectinatum. Geastrum plicatum and G. tenuipes are considered as probable synonyms, although observations on freshly expanded specimens are still required. Comparisons are made between freshly collected and dried material in the British Museum (Nat. Hist.), the Hartley Botanical Laboratories, the Rijksherbarium and Herb. Kew, and the literature is discussed.