Panaeolus punjabensis M. Asif, Q. Firdous, A. Izhar, Niazi & Khalid sp. nov. was collected from three different localities (Bahawalnagar, Kasur, and Lahore) in Punjab, Pakistan. Morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear encoded internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and D1/D2 domain of large subunit (28S) rDNA confirmed the taxonomic distinctness of this species. The new species is potentially hallucinogenic and characterized by a parabolic pileus with a light brown center, broadly fusiform basidiospores, presence of cheilocystidia, pileocystidia, and caulocystidia, and absence of pleurocystidia and clamp connections. The DNA sequences of the species clustered together in a well-supported distinct clade. We present a detailed description, photographs, and line drawings, and elucidate and discuss the phylogenetic position of the new species. Morphological comparisons with phylogenetically and morphologically allied species are discussed.

A novel lichen species occurring on rocks was collected from three different localities within Deosai National Park, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Phylogenetic analyses of the nrDNA ITS and nuLSU regions revealed that it clustered within the genus Anamylopsora. Further chemical and morpho-anatomical analyses confirmed its uniqueness, and it is described here as a new species under the name A. pakistanica. The distinguishing characters are: an irregularly squamulose appressed thallus on rocks without rhizines; an epinecral layer up to 25 μm thick; ascospores that are hyaline, simple, thick-walled with a smooth surface; septate paraphyses with a pigmented apical cell in a gel-like matrix; globose to subglobose pycnidia with hyaline and bacilliform pycnidiospores. In particular, the species is distinguished from other members of the genus by morpho-anatomical features including the coloration of the thalli, the presence of a thick lower cortex (up to 100 μm), and the presence of simple, thick-walled ascospores. Specimens were found at altitudes up to 4587 m, the highest elevation yet reported for Anamylopsora. A key and comparison to all existing species of the genus Anamylopsora is also given.

A new species in Megasporaceae, Aspiciliella pakistanica is described and illustrated from Pakistan. A comparative morpho–anatomical study and ITS–based molecular analysis confirmed its position within the recently resurrected genus Aspiciliella. The taxon is characterized by whitish–grey thalli having large and thick areoles without pale lines on the surface, and a discontinuous algal layer arranged in groups of vertical rows. Its positioning in a separate branch in the phylogenetic tree also makes it distinct from the other known species of the genus.

As a part of ongoing studies on the determination of diversity and the phylogenetic relationship among lichen taxa of Pakistan, we reported several Physciaceae that are new to Pakistan (Aptroot and Iqbal 2012). Exploring different humid subtropical areas (Parachinar, Upper Kurram, KP) and cold and temperate areas (Kalam, Swat, KP) of Pakistan from 2018 to 2020, Physciaceae was found to be the second most dominant family after Parmeliaceae. So far, 39 species of this family are reported from Pakistan. Several genera (Coscinocladium Kunze, Heterodermia Trevis., Hyperphyscia Müll. Arg. Leucodermia Kalb, Mischoblastia A.Massal. Mobergia H. Mayrhofer & Sheard, Oxnerella S.Y.Kondr., Polyblastidium Kalb and Rinodinella H. Mayrhofer & Poelt) that belong to this family are undiscovered yet in this region. In this study, we report Physciella Essl. for the first time in Pakistan. Furthermore, with the exception of Physcia vitti (Firdous et al. 2022b), complete taxonomic descriptions, pictures and molecular sequences are presented for all Pakistani Physciaceae species, whether they are previously reported from the country or not, and submitted in the Genbank.

Parachinar exhibits a combination of flat and hilly terrains characterized by limited vegetation, biodiversity, and resource availability. The Zaryan forest is a mountain forest that begins at the base of a mountain and extends up to but does not encompass its peak. These mountains encompassed a vast plain. In this woodland, Quercus baloot is the most prevalent plant species. The sedimentary sediments present at the beginning of this forest provide clues as to how this climax community evolved. Unbelievably, it was discovered that these species are more abundant at the base of the slope and disappear as we ascend. As the region's economy is poor, locals visit the forest more frequently to obtain wood, herbs, other bushes, and fodder to satisfy their basic needs. They have a meager income and subsist hand to mouth. Occasionally, they cut down mountains and sell them to meet their basic requirements. The region's disputed geographical and political position prohibits tourism, despite the region's incredible grandeur and breathtaking views. However, the hazard is alarming because this forest ecosystem requires protection. Pakistan Environmental Journalists and other wildlife organizations should take decisive actions and precautions to halt the deterioration and biodiversity loss.