Russula shanglaensis sp. nov. (Basidiomycota: Russulales), a new species from the mixed coniferous forests in District Shangla, Pakistan

A new species in the genus Russula from the mixed coniferous forest of District Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan is described and illustrated. Phylogenetic data derived from DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), along with morphological characterizations, indicate the species is novel. Russula shanglaensis sp. nov. is distinct from other known species in subsect. Virescentinae. It is characterized by the convex to slightly depressed grayish pilei that often reflect rusty brown to light purplish spots, with very lightly striated to tuberculate striated margins. The occurrence of subglobose to ellipsoidal basidiospores (6.5-8 x 6-7 mu m) with irregular incomplete reticulation is another distinguishing feature of the species. The species description includes photographs and line drawings illustrating key morphological features and a discussion comparing this species to morphologically and phylogenetically related species.