Russula griseopurpurata

Why in News?

A mushroom collected beneath a sal tree in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district in 2022 has been identified as a species new to science.

• Scientific Name - Russula griseopurpurata.
• The species name refers to its greyish-purple colour.
• Genus - The mushroom belongs to the large and diverse Russula genus.
• The researchers said the Russula genus comprises about 2,000 species worldwide, with more than 180 species documented in different parts of India.
• The species has so far been recorded from Meghalaya and West Bengal.
• Elevation - It was found at an elevation of 320 metres.
• Supporting Tree - It was found growing beneath Shorea robusta, commonly known as sal.
• Appearance - The mushroom has a greyish-purple cap that develops cracks as it matures.
• Its gills show characteristic forkings near the stalk.

• Researchers examined these and other microscopic features before using its DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to establish its identity.
• The study examined 3 specimens of the new species two from West Bengal and one from Meghalaya.
• The Meghalaya specimen, deposited under the number GUBH 20331, generated an ITS sequence recorded as PQ432811 and was included in the phylogenetic analysis.
• The three specimens grouped together with strong statistical support, supporting their identification as the same species.
• The mushrooms were found singly or in scattered groups beneath sal trees.
• Although some Russula species are edible, the researchers have not established R. griseopurpurata as edible.
• Its reported mild taste and odour do not constitute a food-safety assessment.

Reference

Hub Network | Mushroom found in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi