Podaxis pistillaris (L.) Fr. and Leucocoprinus birnbaumii (Corda) singer; new addition to Macrofungi of Egypt

Abstract

AGARICACEAE is a widely distributed monophyletic family of saprotrophic fungi, includes a large number of genera and species of nutritional and medicinal mushrooms. However, few literatures have been published on wild members of Agaricaceae in Egypt. Two basidiomycetes from family Agaricacea were recorded for the first time in Egypt during macrofungal surveys. The first; Podaxis pistillaris fallal (Lin.Ex.Pers) Fr.;a desert puffball was growing solitary on sandy soils in Zaranik protected area at North Sinai during spring season. The second; Leucocoprinus birnbaumii EGDA (Corda) Singer; a gilled mushroom was growing in small group on a dead stump of lemon tree in El-Sinania orchards at Damietta during autumn season. The collected agaricoid were identified based on macro and microscopic laboratory features. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences was used to confirm the fungal identification and verify their taxonomic position with other related genera. A detailed description of both species and the ecological features of their habitat are provided.