Hericium ophelieae sp. nov., a novel species of Hericium (Basidiomycota: Russulales, Hericiaceae) from the Southern Afrotemperate forests of South Africa.

A novel species of was recently collected in the Afrotemperate forests (Knysna - Amatole region) of Southern Africa. The novel species shares many similar, dentate features common to other species in , and its basidiome first appears stark white and yellows with age. However, the substrate choice and gloeocystidia and basidiospore sizes of the specimens collected were distinct from other species. This was confirmed by sequencing the ITS and 28S genetic markers, respectively. The novel species is described as sp. nov. and appears unique as it grows on hardwoods indigenous to Southern Africa. The species has larger basidiospores and wider gloeocystidia compared to its closest relative. sp. nov. is the first endemic species of the medicinal mushroom genus to be described from Southern Africa, and the second to be described from Africa, after its closest relative, , which was isolated in Cameroon. Although this is the first to be described from the Southern African region, there are likely others to be discovered, and this study highlights the need for further research into the fungal diversity of Afrotemperate environments.