Russula deodarae: A New Species of Russula Sect. Ingratae (Russulaceae) from India Based on Morphology and Molecular Data

Abstract

One new species of Russula, namely Russula deodarae belonging to subg. Heterophyllidiae sect. Ingratae is proposed herein based on its morphological features and nrITS-based phylogenetic inference. Russula deodarae is characterized by brown, light brown to dark brown pileus; chalky white, adnate, subdistant lamellae; chalky white, yellowish white to dingy stipe with blood red base; hymenial cystidia with obtuse-rounded, subcapitate, mucronate or appendiculate apex; basidiospores composed of conical warts and ridges connected to give partial to incomplete reticulum, distinctly amyloid suprahilar plage. The species was found occurring under Cedrus deodara-dominated coniferous forests and is widely foraged by local communities in the region for its gastronomic delicacy. Detailed descriptions accompanied with colour photographs of the basidiomata, illustrations of the main anatomical features, nrITS-based molecular phylogeny and comprehensive comparisons with similar species are also provided.