Morphoanatomic, Molecular, and Scanning Electron Microscopy Characterization of Two New Itajahya Species (Basidiomycota, Phallales) From Kundian Forest, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The genus Itajahya, a rare member of the Phallaceae family, is characterized by its unique calyptra at the apex of the gleba. During 2020–2024, we collected fresh specimens of two new Itajahya species from Pakistan, enabling DNA sequencing, thorough morphoanatomic, and scanning electron microscopic characterization. This study aims to document these species with detailed descriptions, DNA analyses, and comparisons to existing species, clarifying their taxonomic status. Itajahya pakistanica features a white to off-white immature fruiting body, dark greenish to blackish gleba, and a white to off-white calyptra, while I. punjabensis is distinguished by its pink to peach immature fruiting body, dark greenish to brown gleba, and a prominent pink calyptra exceeding the width of the cap. Stinkhorn fungi, including Itajahya, produce a gelatinous gleba with an unpleasant odor that attracts insects for spore dispersal. Itajahya produces volatile compounds, fatty acids, and pheromones that attract Drosophila species, aiding in their breeding and feeding on the gleba. Future studies will focus on identifying these compounds at different fruiting stages and their role in insect interactions and spore dispersal. Our findings have increased the number of known species in this genus to six. This study aims to stimulate further interest in the genus Itajahya and encourage the collection of additional specimens for DNA studies and phylogenetic analysis.