LAS ESPECIES DEL GÉNERO SCLERODERMA EN ARGENTINA. UNA NUEVA ESPECIE ASOCIADA A NOTHOFAGUS

EDUARDO NOUHRA; LUCIANA H. CAFFOT; ESTEBAN CRESPO

Huerta Grande, Córdoba

Jornada; XXXII Jornadas Argentinas de Botánica; 2009

Sociedad Argentina de Botánica

The genus Scleroderma comprises ectomycorrhizal epigeous and sequestrate species, with globose sporocarps that do not forcibly discharge their spores. Within the Basidiomycota, morphological and molecular studies have confirmed their Boletoid origin, and the genus is currently placed in the Suborder Sclerodermatinae within the Boletales. Most lineages within this Order are recognized ectomycorrhizal mushrooms. A new hypogeous native species associated to Nothofagus forests was registered from the Nothofagus forest. Additionally, four currently recognized species (Scleroderma albidum ;S. areolatum; S. bovista and S. citrinum were identified from numerous herbaria collections and field collected specimens from introduced tree plantations. These exotic epigeous Scleroderma species were associated with various Northern Hemisphere tree species, such as pines and eucalyptus. Descriptions including MEB photography of the spores and a key of the species are provided to facilitate their identification.