Phylogenomic systematics of Lanmaoa (Boletaceae) reveals cryptic diversity, resolves global evolutionary relationships, and suggests a novel psychoactive lineage.
Colin Domnauer, Bryn T M Dentinger
Mycologia January 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2026.2670968 via PubMed
Summary
The study identifies and describes two new species of the Lanmaoa genus, bringing the total recognized species to 17. It combines extensive sampling and whole genome sequencing to clarify the evolutionary relationships within this group of mushrooms. Notably, the analysis reveals that Lanmaoa asiatica does not contain known biosynthetic genes for psilocybin or ibotenic acid, indicating a potential novel psychoactive compound. Overall, it provides a solid genomic basis for future research on Lanmaoa.
Study at a glance
| Sample size | 53 |
|---|---|
| Population | mushroom-forming fungi in the genus Lanmaoa |
| Key finding | The study discovers two new species and establishes a genomic foundation for understanding the systematics of the Lanmaoa genus. |
Abstract
The genus Lanmaoa is a globally distributed, economically important group of mushroom-forming fungi in the family Boletaceae containing edible and psychoactive species. Despite the growing interest in its hallucinogenic properties, the fundamental systematics of this genus remains poorly resolved due to limited taxon sampling and limited genetic characterization. This study combines a comprehensive sampling of all Lanmaoa species, including 21 type specimens, with whole genome sequencing of 53 specimens. A phylogeny of Lanmaoa is generated based upon an alignment of 1515 single-copy orthologs and recovers full statistical support at all major nodes, resolving evolutionary relationships in the genus. Phylogenomic analysis of previously unsequenced type specimens supports several taxonomic changes, including six novel combinations and the discovery of four novel species, two of which are described here-Lanmaoa fallax, sp. nov. and Lanmaoa carbonilivor, sp. nov.-resulting in a total recognition of 17 species in the genus. Genome mining of Lanmaoa asiatica fails to detect canonical biosynthetic genes associated with psilocybin or ibotenic acid production, suggesting the presence of a novel psychoactive compound. This study establishes a comprehensive genomic foundation for Lanmaoa systematics, enabling future research to more robustly explore the evolutionary history and secondary chemistry of the genus.