RUSSULA GRISEOPURPURATA: NEW MUSHROOM SPECIES DISCOVERED IN INDIA
18 August 2026
PRERNA FOR IAS
Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari
Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath
RUSSULA GRISEOPURPURATA: NEW MUSHROOM SPECIES DISCOVERED IN INDIA
Context: A new mushroom species, Russula griseopurpurata, has been described from India, highlighting the country’s still underexplored fungal diversity. The species was formally reported in the international taxonomic journal Phytotaxa in August 2026. Researchers used both morphological features and DNA-based analysis to establish it as a distinct species.
Background and Discovery: The holotype specimen was collected on 22 July 2022 from Jirang in Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, at about 320 metres above sea level. It was found below sal trees (Shorea robusta). The species has subsequently been recorded from Meghalaya and West Bengal.
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A new mushroom species Russula griseopurpurata discovered in Meghalaya highlights India's unexplored fungal diversity and ecological significance in forests.
Keywords
Russula griseopurpuratanew mushroom speciesfungal diversityMeghalayaectomycorrhizalPhytotaxaforest ecologyRi-Bhoi district