Integrative taxonomic insights reveal a triad of new Parasola species from southern Punjab, Pakistan.

The genus Parasola is known for its diverse range of species, but the taxonomic understanding of its diversity in southern Punjab, Pakistan, remains incomplete. In this study, we describe three novel species of Parasola 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, P. pakistanica and P. fragilissima, nested within P. sect. Conopileae, whereas P. brunneodisca nested within P. sect. Parasola. These results strongly support the distinctiveness of these taxa, separate from previously described species. Our study contributes to expanding the known diversity of Parasola in southern Punjab, offering novel insights into its taxonomy and the evolutionary relationships among species within the genus. These findings highlight the importance of combining multiple approaches to taxonomic studies in uncovering hidden biodiversity.