This research discovered and described three new species of mushrooms in the genus Russula from southern China. These fungi form important symbiotic relationships with pine trees in forest ecosystems. The study combined detailed analysis of physical characteristics with DNA sequencing to confirm these were previously unknown species. Impact on everyday life: – Helps forest managers better understand and protect fungal diversity in pine forests – Contributes to knowledge of fungi that are essential for forest health and tree growth – Improves ability to identify potentially edible vs. toxic mushroom species – Advances understanding of symbiotic relationships between fungi and trees – Provides baseline data for monitoring effects of climate change on fungal communities