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A new fungal genus, Mystagaricus, has been established to accommodate the previously known species Leucoagaricus brunneolilacinus. This discovery sheds new light on the diversity and evolutionary relationships within the mushroom family Agaricaceae, underscoring the role of botanical gardens and greenhouses in uncovering hidden fungal lineages. Remarkably, the species was originally described from the tropical greenhouse of the MATE Botanical Garden in Soroksár, based on a specimen collected 50 years ago. The genus name Mystagaricus reflects the mysterious origin of this fungus, as its natural habitat in the wild remains unknown. The species is most frequently reported from tropical or subtropical greenhouse environments (such as in Budapest, Vácrátót, and Vienna), but it is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, where many of its closest relatives occur naturally.

The description of Mystagaricus has both local and global significance. It improves our understanding of the evolutionary relationships within the family Agaricaceae, emphasizes the importance of accurate taxonomy for biodiversity studies, and demonstrates that even long-known species can reveal surprising new insights when examined with modern molecular tools. This discovery also underscores the scientific value of greenhouse environments, which can act as refuges for uncommon or poorly known fungi, enabling researchers to study species that may be rare or hidden in their native habitats.

Viktor Papp

Reference:
Radnóti Á., Dima B., Halász K., Krisai-Greilhuber I., Kovács G.M., Papp V. (2025): Mystagaricus, a new genus within the core Agaricaceae to accommodate Leucoagaricus brunneolilacinus described from a tropical greenhouse in Hungary. Mycological Progress 24, 54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11557-025-02072-5

Figure 1. Morphological characteristics of Mystagaricus brunneolilacinus: a–c basidiomata of the reference specimen (photos: V. Papp); d basidiomata growing in subtropical glasshouse at the type locality, Soroksár Botanical Garden (photo: L. Albert); e basidiomata growing in the public tropical house of the Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna (photo: B. Dima)

Figure 2. Phylogenetic placement of Mystagaricus brunneolilacinus and delimitation of the new genus within the family Agaricaceae based on ML inference of the ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1-α data set.