Russula griseopurpurata: New Mushroom Species from India – Meghalaya, Sal Forests

UPSC Reference:  Biodiversity

Why in News?

A mushroom collected under sal trees in Meghalaya was identified as a new species, Russula griseopurpurata.

Key Facts

  • Genus: Russula

  • Kingdom: Fungi

  • New species to science.

  • Reported from:

    • Meghalaya

    • West Bengal

  • Found beneath sal trees.

  • Characteristic:

    • Greyish-purple cap

    • Cap develops cracks with maturity

    • Forking gills near stalk

UPSC Importance

Highlights:

  • Fungal biodiversity

  • Forest ecosystem relationships

  • Species discovery

  • Importance of lesser-known biodiversity

Key Pointer

Russula griseopurpurata → Mushroom → Russula → Meghalaya/West Bengal → Sal association