Phylogenomic systematics of Lanmaoa (Boletaceae) reveals cryptic diversity, resolves global evolutionary relationships, and suggests a novel psychoactive lineage.
Mycologia January 1, 2026 Colin Domnauer, Bryn T M Dentinger
The genus Lanmaoa, a group of mushroom-forming fungi in the family Boletaceae, includes both edible and psychoactive species. By combining comprehensive sampling of all Lanmaoa species—including 21 type specimens—with whole genome sequencing of 53 specimens, a phylogeny based on 1515 single-copy orthologs resolves evolutionary relationships with full statistical support at all major nodes. Phylogenomic analysis supports six novel combinations and the discovery of four novel species, two described here: Lanmaoa fallax and Lanmaoa carbonilivor, bringing the genus to 17 species. Genome mining of Lanmaoa asiatica fails to detect canonical biosynthetic genes for psilocybin or ibotenic acid, suggesting a novel psychoactive compound.