Taxonomic Evaluation of Two Coprinoid Fungi of the Genus Coprinopsis in Jalna District, Maharashtra (India)

This study presents the morphological and taxonomic characterization of two coprinoid fungi Coprinopsis radiata var. macrocarpa and Coprinopsis macrocephala—collected from Jalna district, Maharashtra, India, during the August 2024 monsoon season. Macroscopic features, including pileus morphology, lamellae, stipe characters, and habitat, were recorded from fresh basidiocarps, while microscopic studies examined basidiospores, basidia, cystidia, and pileipellis structure using standard techniques. Coprinopsis radiata var. macrocarpa was distinguished by larger basidiocarps, a radially fibrillose pileus, and dark brown spores with a prominent germ pore. In contrast, C. macrocephala exhibited a conical pileus, veil remnants, and thick-walled basidiospores. Both species showed deliquescent lamellae and saprotrophic growth on nutrient-rich substrates. The study provides baseline taxonomic data contributing to the documentation of coprinoid fungal diversity in the semi-arid region of Maharashtra.