Inocybe sineofibulae sp. nov. (Sect. Marginatae), a new clamp-less ectomycorrhizal species from Kumrat valley, KP, Pakistan

A new clamp-less ectomycorrhizal species, Inocybe sineofibulae sp.nov., collected from the Lamleek Forest of Kumrat Valley, KP, Pakistan.Morpho-anatomical and molecular characterization classified it in Inocybe sect.Marginatae.This newly described species is characterized by small sized basidiomata (pileus 1.8-2.3cm) having pale brown fibrillose pileus with cracked margins, orange adnexed lamellae and a longitudinally striate stipe (3.1-5.6 × 0.4 cm).Large amyloid basidiospores (11.2-11.5 × 7.2-7.6μm), exceptionally large metuloid cystidia and absence of clamp connections.It resembles I. cryptica in its small basidiomata and smooth, ellipsoidal spores but differs by having larger amyloid spores, significantly larger cystidia and the absence of clamp connections, which are abundant in I. cryptica.Phylogenetic analysis (ITS) declares its genetic distinctness, showing ~90% ITS similarity to I. cryptica.This finding highlights the unexplored fungal diversity of the Hindukush regions of Pakistan and emphasizes the value of integrative taxonomy in resolving cryptic lineages.