Hidden gems of Benin: Unravelling the diversity of <i>Lepiota</i> spp. through phylogenetic, morphological, and chemotaxonomic exploration.

ABSTRACT: We investigated Lepiota species from Benin and reference species from Europe based on fieldwork, light microscopy, and the analysis of DNA sequence data. As a result, thirteen Lepiota species from Benin are described as new to science, whereas only one previously described species, L. albogranulosa, was found. An identification key to these species is provided. The taxonomical results are supported by a comprehensive multilocus phylogeny based on ITS, LSU, and RPB2 sequences. In addition, the occurrence of amatoxins in basidiomata of Lepiota spp. was examined, in order to detect toxic mushrooms and for chemotaxonomic conclusions for the genus Lepiota in general. To this end, an UHPLC-HRMS² analysis process was applied and molecular netwo

SUBMITTER: Sarawi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12798316 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature