Termitomyces assamicus (Lyophyllaceae)-A new species of Termitomyces from India

Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis (ITS-rDNA sequence), a new species, Termitomyces assa-micus, is described after the Indian state of Assam. Termitomyces assamicus is characterized by a medium-sized pileus, brownish orange to grey or greyish red with a conical, pointed perforatorium; white to pale grey lamellae with a serrated edge; an orange grey to greyish orange stipe measuring 50-100 mm long; absence of annulus; greyish brown to yellowish brown pseudorhiza measuring 70-100 mm long; ellipsoid basidiospores with a mean of 8.3 x 5.0 & mu;m; clavate cheilocystidia measuring 21-36 x 8-16 & mu;m; and broadly clavate to pyriform pleurocystidia (23-32 x 12-23 & mu;m). The new species was compared with closely related taxa using morpho-molecular data. A detailed morphological description with field images, micromorphology illustration, and a phylogenetic tree to show the position of the new species are also provided.