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Notes on the ecological distribution of the myxomycete Arcyria globosa
Steven L. Stephenson, Adam W. Rollins, Thida Win Ko Ko, Randy G. Darrah
MycoAsia 2024/04.
https://doi.org/10.59265/mycoasia.2024-04
Abstract
Prior to the virtual elimination of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) from the forests of eastern North America by the chestnut blight fungus, Arcyria globosa was commonly found on old chestnut burs that had fallen to the ground. The association of this myxomycete with chestnut burs was not absolute, but occurrences on other substrates appear to have been rare. During field collecting carried out in a forest in northern Thailand, it was noticed that old fallen cupules (burs) of Castanopsis indica often had scattered fruiting bodies of A. globosa present. Castanea and Castanopsis belong to the same family (Fagaceae) and produce spiky cupules that are rather similar morphologically. As such, A. globosa appears to display a particular affinity for the cupules of Castanopsis in the same manner as it does for Castanea. The basis for this seemingly remarkable ecological distribution is not known.
Plain Language Summary
A slime mold, Arcyria globosa, was once common on the spiky burs of American chestnut trees before a blight wiped the trees out. Recently, researchers made a fascinating discovery in Thailand: the same slime mold thriving on the nearly identical spiky burs of a related tree species, Castanopsis indica. This suggests the slime mold has a very specific preference for this type of spiky, woody habitat. While the connection is clear, the exact reason for this unique ecological partnership across different continents remains a complete mystery to scientists.
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