Two novel species of Candolleomyces (Psathyrellaceae) from Pakistan

Candolleomyces is a recently erected genus based on extensive gene sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses. This study reports two novel species, Candolleomyces pallidosquamulosus and C. albogranulosus from Pakistan. Morpho-anatomical and phylogenetic analyses based on nrITS and nLSU supported the novelty of the species. Candolleomyces pallidosquamulosus is characterized by convex to plano-convex, paraboloid to campanulate, slightly umbonate, light yellow orange to yellowish brown pileus with pale orange squamules, smooth to rimose margins, reddish brown lamellae and presence of annulus. Candolleomyces albogranulosus is characterized by plano–convex to depressed, light purple gray to gray pileus covered with white granular squamules, transluscently striated margins, dull reddish lamellae and absence of annulus. Detailed description of the two new species along with field photographs, illustrations and molecular phylogenetic analyses are provided.