Lepiota maculans, an Unusual Mushroom Rediscovered after 105 years

During a survey of macrofungi in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the summer of 2009, a species of Lepiota was recorded. This specimen is distinct in having pink to salmon to orange colors on the fruiting body and a pink spore deposit. After comparison with type material and a survey of the literature, we conclude this species is L. maculans Peck, described originally and known only from one collection in Missouri. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data supports placement within Lepiota of the Agaricaceae despite possessing a pink spore deposit. A complete morphological description, a description of the holotype, illustrations, and photographs are presented. This is the first report of L. maculans since its original description in 1905.