Morphology and phylogeny reveal four new species and a new record of Volvariella from southern Punjab, Pakistan

The genus Volvariella comprises saprotrophic fungi that have ecological significance in the decomposition of organic matter. During recent mycological surveys in southern Punjab, Pakistan, four novel species viz., V. ferruginopunctata, V. lactea, V. lanuginose, V. punjabica, and a new record, viz., V. darbatica were collected identified, and described using an integrative taxonomic approach. Detailed morphological analyses, including macro- and micromorphological characteristics, were conducted to differentiate these species from previously known taxa. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences confirmed their distinctiveness and clarified their phylogenetic relationships within the genus. The newly described species exhibit distinct combinations of morphological and anatomical features: V. ferruginopunctata is characterised by a dark reddish-brown patch on the pileus, a sheathing membrane-type volva, and globose to obovoid basidiospores; V. lactea has a milky white umbonate pileus, a collar-like volva, and lacrymoid to lemon-shaped basidiospores; V. lanuginosa displays a light grey pileus, a saccate-type volva, and globose to amygdaliform basidiospores; while V. punjabica features an umbonate pileus, a sheathing membrane-type volva, and subglobose to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. Phylogenetic reconstructions strongly support their placement as independent lineages within Volvariella. This study expands the known diversity of the genus and provides new insights into its taxonomy. The findings highlight the importance of integrating morphological and molecular data for resolving fungal systematics and underscore the need for further exploration of fungal diversity in southern Punjab, Pakistan.