Integrative taxonomic insights reveal a triad of new <i>Parasola</i> species from southern Punjab, Pakistan

In this study, we describe three novel species of <i>Parasola</i> from this region, identified using an integrative approach combining morphological examination and molecular phylogeny. We included field pictures of the species in their natural habitats and illustrations of the microscopic features to complement the taxonomic descriptions.

Molecular phylogeny, based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S sequences, revealed that two species, <i>P. pakistanica</i> and <i>P. fragilissima</i>, nested within <i>P</i>. sect. <i>Conopileae</i>, whereas <i>P. brunneodisca</i> nested within <i>P</i>. sect. <i>Parasola</i>. These results strongly support the distinctiveness of these taxa, separate from previously described species. Our study contributes to expanding the known diversity of <i>Parasola</i> in southern Punjab, offering novel insights into its taxonomy and the evolutionary relationships among species within the genus.