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A new record of Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) Morgan (Boletales, Basidiomycota) from Afghanistan
Atiqullah Sultani Ahmadzai, Hamid Ejtehadi, Mohammad Farzam, Maral Bashirzadeh
MycoAsia 2023/02.
https://doi.org/10.59265/mycoasia.2023-02
Abstract
The mycorrhizal fungus, Astraeus hygrometricus, which was found thriving beneath Quercus baloot and Cedrus deodara trees is being documented in Afghanistan for the first time. Despite previous reports confirming the presence of this fungus in other parts of Asia, Europe and America, there is no prior documentation of its presence in Afghanistan. This report includes a protologue of the specimens collected from Afghanistan, showcasing both macro- and micro-morphological characteristics. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images are provided for a detailed view of the basidiospores.
Plain Language Summary
For the first time, the helpful fungus Astraeus hygrometricus has been officially documented in Afghanistan. It was discovered living in a beneficial partnership with the roots of local oak and cedar trees. While this earthstar fungus is known in other parts of the world, this is the first confirmed record of its presence in the country. The scientific report provides a detailed description of the Afghan specimens, covering their features from the naked eye down to the microscopic level. This finding officially adds a new species to the nation’s fungal map, expanding knowledge of its biodiversity.
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