The species of Agrocybe (Strophariaceae, Agaricales, Agaricomycetes) are saprophytic and widely distributed in temperate regions. In this study, a new species named Agrocybe striatipes from China is described, which has been successfully cultivated in China recently. The phenotypic characteristics examination and molecular phylogenetic analyses using multilocus data (ITS and nrLSU) both support it as a new species in the genus Agrocybe. Moreover, nutritional ingredient analysis showed that the fruiting body of A. striatipes was rich in seventeen amino acids, including eight essential amino acids, in addition to high levels of calcium (78.5 mg/kg) and vitamin D (44.1 μg/100g). The following analysis of the heavy metal contents of the fruiting bodies show that it does not contain lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and other heavy metal elements. In the crude extract of the mushroom, the nutrients in the aqueous phase are amino acids and oligosaccharides, and the active substances in the ethyl acetate layer are sterols, which have a variety of pharmacological effects. In conclusion, A. striatipes is not only a new species but also has highly application values as a cultivated edible mushroom in nutrition and health.

The species of Gymnopilus (Hymenogastraceae, Agricales) are commonly recognized as wood-decaying fungi. Certain members of this genus have been identified as psilocybin-producing mushrooms. Gymnopilus exhibits a diverse range and has a global distribution. In this study, a total of seventy-eight specimens were gathered from ten provinces in China. A comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted, employing gene sequences including ITS, nrLSU, nrSSU, rpb1, rpb2, and tef1-α. Additionally, morphological examinations were also carried out. The phylogenetic topology of Gymnopilus from this study generally agreed with previous studies and facilitated the identification of all those specimens. As a result, eleven species, including five newly discovered ones named Gy. gyirongensis, Gy. variisporus, Gy. tomentosiceps, Gy. tenuibasidialis, and Gy. aurantipileatus, were recognized. Significantly, four of the five newly identified species are native to the Xizang Autonomous Region, emphasizing their specialization in this distinctive habitat. This research contributes to our comprehension of Gymnopilus diversity and lays the groundwork for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Gymnopilus resources.

This study systematically documented macrofungal diversity in Beijing, China (field surveys conducted from 2020 to 2024) using line-transect and random sampling. A total of 1056 species were identified, spanning 2 phyla, 7 classes, 25 orders, 109 families, and 286 genera. The inventory includes 12 new species, 456 new records for Beijing, 79 new records for China, and comprises 116 edible, 56 edible–medicinal, 123 medicinal, and 58 poisonous species. Among these, 542 species were assessed against China’s Macrofungi Redlist, revealing eight species needing conservation attention (seven Near Threatened, one Vulnerable). Analysis revealed stark differences in dominant taxa between natural ecosystems (protected areas) and urban green spaces/parks. In natural areas, macrofungi are dominated by 31 families (e.g., Russulaceae, Cortinariaceae) and 47 genera (e.g., Russula, Cortinarius). Ectomycorrhizal lineages prevailed, highlighting their critical role in forest nutrient cycling, plant symbiosis, and ecosystem integrity. In urban areas, 10 families (e.g., Agaricaceae, Psathyrellaceae) and 17 genera (e.g., Leucocoprinus, Coprinellus) were dominant. Saprotrophic genera dominated, indicating their adaptation to decomposing organic matter in human-modified habitats and the provision of ecosystem services. The study demonstrates relatively high macrofungal diversity in Beijing. The distinct functional guild composition—ectomycorrhizal dominance in natural areas versus saprotrophic prevalence in urban zones—reveals complementary ecosystem functions and underscores the conservation value of protected habitats for maintaining vital mycorrhizal networks. These findings provide fundamental data and scientific support for regional biodiversity conservation and sustainable macrofungal resource development.

Collybiopsis (Omphalotaceae, Agaricales) is a genus of a worldwide distribution, which are often growing on dead leaves or decaying wood in forests or grassland, and some of them were reported as edible or poisonous species. In this study 28 specimens of Collybiopsis were collected from Baihuashan National Natural Reserve in Beijing, China. All specimens were identified through morphological examination, and phylogenetic analysis using ITS and nrLSU sequences. The results revealed two new species, which named as C. beijingensis and C. lignicola. Both new species were described in details and compared with closely related known species in morphology.

The saprotrophic genera Deconica and Psilocybe exhibit broad geographic distributions across temperate and subtropical biomes globally. Despite China’s rich fungal diversity, taxonomic studies of these genera remain limited, with few species previously documented. In this study, 64 specimens of Deconica and Psilocybe from China were examined using an integrative taxonomic approach combining detailed morphological characterization with multilocus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, nrLSU, rpb2, and tef1-α). We identified six known Psilocybe species, three known Deconica species, and three species new to science, i.e., Deconica lignicola, D. shannanensis, and Psilocybe striata. In addition, at least six not yet described taxa were identified as members of the two genera. Psilocybe striata is distinguished by a white pileus covered with distinctive striate veils and exhibits a bluing reaction, which was discovered in Chongqing, representing the expansion of the known geographic range of Psilocybe in China. Deconica lignicola is characterized by pleurocystidia of the chrysocystidia type and narrowly lageniform cheilocystidia with short necks, and it is a typical lignicolous fungus, which grows on decaying wood. Deconica shannanensis produces small, reddish-brown to dark brown basidiomata, with abundant narrowly lageniform to lageniform cheilocystidia and does not have pleurocystidia; it is a coprophilous species inhabiting high-altitude meadows. These findings not only enrich the recorded species diversity of Deconica and Psilocybe in China but also deepen the understanding of their ecological adaptations and geographical distribution.