Morphology and multi-locus phylogeny reveal four new Candolleomyces (Psathyrellaceae) species from Pakistan

In this study, four new species of the genus Candolleomyces are described from Pakistan. Based on morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, we confirmed the distinction of these taxa. The newly identified species are designated as Candolleomyces conicus, C. denticulatus, C. kanhattiensis, and C. swaticus. The distinction of these species from previously known taxa in the genus was verified through comparisons of morphological features and phylogenetic analyses. Three of these species were collected from tropical plains, whereas C. swaticus was found in temperate mountainous regions. This distribution highlights the adaptability of the genus to diverse ecological niches across the country. A key to the Pakistani Candolleomyces species is also provided.