Taxonomic study reveals the novel fungal species Lepiota brunneodiscata, highlighting expanded species diversity within the genus Lepiota.
Key Points
To describe and formally classify a suspected novel fungal species in the genus Lepiota using morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic data.
Conducted macro- and micro-morphological analyses of basidiomata, documenting basidiospores, cheilocystidia, and pileus features.
Performed molecular phylogenetic analyses using combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) nrDNA sequence data.
Identified Lepiota brunneodiscata as a distinct lineage within the genus Lepiota, resolved as the sister taxon to Lepiota ochraceofulva.
Characterized diagnostic morphological markers, including an off-white to pale cream pileus with a brown squamulose disc, globose to subglobose basidiospores (3.2 × 3.1 µm), and utriform cheilocystidia.