Russula griseopurpurata: New Mushroom Species from India
Why in News?
A new species of mushroom, Russula griseopurpurata*, has been described from India and published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa on 5 August 2026. The discovery was made by researchers from Gauhati University, Assam, working with colleagues from West Bengal.
Taxonomic Details
- Genus: Russula (family Russulaceae, order Russulales).
- Subsection: Cyanoxanthinae.
- The species is classified as a novel taxon within this subsection, based on combined morphological and molecular (ITS DNA sequencing and phylogenetic) analysis.
- The holotype (primary reference specimen) was collected on 22 July 2022 by Dr Niranjan Roy from Jirang in Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya, at an elevation of about 320 metres, growing under a sal tree (Shorea robusta).
- In total, three specimens were examined: one from Meghalaya and two from West Bengal. The Meghalaya specimen is deposited under collection number GUBH 20331 with sequence accession PQ432811.
Morphological Features
- Cap: Greyish-purple, developing cracks with age.
- Gills: Show characteristic forking near the stalk.
- These macroscopic features, combined with DNA-based phylogenetic placement, distinguish it from closely related Russula species.
Significance
- Adds to the documented fungal diversity of India, particularly in the Eastern Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions.
- Highlights the importance of integrating morphology and DNA barcoding in modern fungal taxonomy.
- Contributes to global understanding of the genus Russula, which comprises about 2,000 species worldwide.
- Underlines the role of Indian universities in discovering and describing new biodiversity.
Edibility and Safety
- While some Russula species are edible, the edibility and safety of R. griseopurpurata for human consumption have not been established.
- As with many wild mushrooms, caution is advised; misidentification can lead to poisoning.
