Molecular Phylogeny and Morphology Reveal Four New Species of Conocybe (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China
Journal of Fungi January 7, 2025 Xi-Xi Han, Dorji Phurbu, Bin Cao et al. 2 citations
On the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, a region shaped by high altitude, plate collision, and crustal uplift, seven Conocybe mushroom species were identified from specimens collected over the past decade. Four of these—C. alticola, C. alticoprophila, C. versicolor, and C. yadongensis—are new to science. Multi-gene DNA sequencing (ITS, nrLSU, and tef-1α) confirmed their taxonomic placement within the genus. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and comparisons with related species are provided. This work expands knowledge of Conocybe diversity on the plateau, contributing to understanding fungal biodiversity in extreme environments. Some Conocybe species produce psilocybin and other compounds with potential medicinal value.