Repeated macrofungal explorations, followed by thorough examination of species through morphology and molecular phylogeny, have made it clear that European and American names of wild mushrooms were inadvertently misapplied quite often to Asian lookalikes by mycologists/taxonomists in the past. Therefore, in order to reveal this mushroom treasure, in recent years, taxonomical research on wild mushrooms has been intensified in Asian countries, including India, by undertaking a combined approach of morpho-taxonomy and multigene molecular phylogeny. Boletoid mushrooms (Boletaceae) are no exception. While working on boletoid mushrooms of the Indian Himalayas, authors recently came across six interesting species of boletoid mushrooms. In the present communication, four novel species, namely Leccinellum binderi, Cyanoboletus paurianus, Xerocomus uttarakhandae, and Xerocomellus himalayanus, are established based on morphology and molecular phylogenetic estimations. Moreover, Cyanoboletus macroporus and Xerocomus fraternus are also reported here for the first time in India.

The species of Aquilaria and Gyrinops are renowned for being the primary sources of Agarwood, a valued resin, produced by these trees in response to fungal infections or physical damage. The major derivatives of Agarwood are wood chips and oil which are used in perfumes, incenses, cosmetics, and medicines. Due to high international trade and exploitation in the wild, the members of both genera are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Aquilaria khasiana, endemic to the Indian state of Meghalaya, is a less-studied CITES-listed species. The present study reveals its occurrence in an additional location i.e., in Jeypore Reserve Forest, Assam. The species identity was confirmed using morphological and barcode markers (ITS2, rbcl, and matK). The chloroplast genome was sequenced for the first time to explore plastome characteristics and reconstruct well-resolved phylogeny. Additionally, its conservation status assessment was carried out considering its new distributional records. Phylogenetic analyses, based on chloroplast genome data and the three barcode markers showed that both Aquilaria and Gyrinops are paraphyletic, with some species of Aquilaria nested within the Gyrinops clade. Despite possessing distinct morphological traits of Aquilaria, A. khasiana cluster with the Gyrinops along with the only Indian Gyrinops species, viz. G. walla as in the case of all previous phylogenetic analyses. Based on the present and previous molecular studies, it is concluded that Gyrinops is paraphyletic to Aquilaria. The chloroplast genome contained 90 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. The present conservation status assessment supports retaining the species as Critically Endangered but with modified IUCN criteria and subcriteria.

Erigeron multiradiatus (Asteraceae: Astereae: Conyzinae) and Tibetiodes himalaica (Asteraceae: Astereae: Asterinae) are often misidentified due to their morphological similarity and variation in some morphological characters. The present communication aims to resolve the identity crisis of these two species based on detailed morphological studies of freshly collected as well as herbarium specimens (including types), SEM studies of cypselas and molecular study with one nuclear and one chloroplast marker (ITS and trnLF). The morphological analysis showed that the two species differ in involucres and flower colour, with very clear differences in macro- and micro-morphological features of the cypselas. The molecular study also showed clear distinction between these two taxa. Additionally, a lectotype is designated for Erigeron multiradiatus.

Agarwood, often referred as “liquid gold,” is a valuable aromatic resinous substance with longstanding significance in cultural and religious practices, being utilized in perfumes, incense, medicines, and funeral pyres in some communities. Agarwood is one of the major cash crops in northeastern India, and plays a vital role in the livelihood of local people. The commonest cultivated agarwood source is Aquilaria malaccensis Lam., and we found that large quantities of Aquilaria malaccensis, and small quantities of Aquilaria crasna and Aquilaria filaria were also imported and re-exported after value addition. Agarwood is listed in Appendix II of the CITES, hence its international trade is regulated by the CITES Management Authority. However, few instances of proper export with a CITES permit are observed despite there being an export quota since 2021. At the same time, the ongoing monopoly in the Agarwood industry and informal trade is adversely impacting Agarwood cultivation and trade in India. A lack of knowledge of government policies, marketing, CITES regulations, and procedures for obtaining CITES permits is contributing to market inefficiency. India has a significant gap between Agarwood production capacity and actual exports. This presents a strong opportunity to shift from a re-export hub to a primary exporter. This article aims to inform stakeholders at all levels about the production and consumption of Agarwood in India, trade factors associated with its derivatives in the global market, and trade issues arising from restrictions, government policies and regulations in India.