Observations on the Astraeus spp. of Southwestern India

Abstract

Astraeus is a widespread genus of gasteromycete in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate regions. During mycological survey, two distinct species of Astraeus were recovered from the Southwestern India. Astraeus hygrometricus was frequent in forests of foothill region of the Western Ghats. In fire affected scrub jungles of the west coast, Astraeus odoratus was common and represents second report from the Indian Subcontinent. Astraeus spp. recovered were ectomycorrhizal in a variety of native and exotic tree species growing in sandy loam/gravel/pebblerich lateritic soils. Tender A. hygrometricus occurring in forests of foothill region of the Western Ghats serve as traditional nutritional delicacy and sold in local markets during rainy season.