Some hitherto unreported macrofungal species from coniferous forests of Kashmir, Himalaya-India

Abstract

Mushrooms form the rich mycotic flora of Kashmir that has diverse physiography, expansive forest communities, diverse weather patterns and numerous tree species that facilitate the growth of these macrofungi. In order to unravel and document the unnoticed macrofungal biodiversity of coniferous forests of Kashmir Himalayas, a survey was conducted at five different coniferous forests sites viz. Gulmarg, Yusmarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpatheri and Hirpora wild life sanctuary from November 2011 to November 2012. During the study 109 species belonging to 61 genera were recorded, out of them 6 species viz.  Phyllotopsis nidulans (Pers.) Singer, Helvella leucomelaena (Pers.) Nannf., Cortinarius violaceus (L.) Gray, Sarcodon imbricatus (L.) P. Karst., Lactarius hepaticus Plowr. and Polyporus brumalis (Pers.) Fr. are first time recorded from the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The macro and microscopic features, habit and habitat, site of collection, seasonal occurrence, local names and edibility of the hitherto unreported macrofungi are adverted.