Thaxterogaster caesibulga
Thaxterogaster caesibulga is a species of truffle-like fungus in the family Cortinariaceae. Found in New South Wales, Australia, the species was described as new to science in 2010. Taxonomy The species was first described scientifically by Australian mycologists Karl Vernes, Melissa Danks, and Teresa Lebel in a 2010 issue of the journal Persoonia. The type collection was made near Waterfall Way, New South Wales in July 2007. Molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer DNA sequence data show that the fungus belongs to the section Purpurascentes, and groups in a clade with the agaric species C. submagellanicus (found in Tasmania). The specific epithet caesibulga is derived from the Latin words caesius (lavender pale blue with grey tinge) and bulga (purse or bag) and refers to the bag-like shape of the fruit bodies. In 2022 the species was transferred from Cortinarius and reclassified as Thaxterogaster caesibulga based on genomic data. Description The fruit body of Thaxterogaster caesibulga is sequestrate, meaning that its spores are not forcibly discharged from the basidia, and it remains enclosed during all stages of development, even when mature. The shape of the caps ranges from irregularly spherical to like an inverted cone, sometimes with a flattened top, and