Auriscalpium vulgare
Auriscalpium vulgare Gray
Auriscalpiaceae
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(i,iii,iv)].
Morphology and biology. Cap semi-globose to kidney-shaped, 0.5–2 cm in diameter, brown, dark brown to black brown, sometimes with dark zones; with roughly setaceous surface. Spines conical, 2–3 mm long, grey brown. Stipe eccentric, rarely central, 3–8 × 0.1–0.2 cm, dark brown to black-brown, hairy. Flesh thin, whitish. Spores broadly ellipsoid to almost globose, 4–5.5 × 3.5–4.5 µm, colourless. Fruit-bodies single or in groups. VII–XII.
Habitats and populations. On pine strobiles in coniferous forests.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Balkan Range (Western, Eastern), Sofia Region, Znepole Region (Golo Burdo Mt), Vitosha Region (Vitosha Mt, Lyulin Mt), Pirin Mts (Northern), Rila Mts, Rhodopi Mts (Central, Eastern).
General distribution. Europe, Asia, North America.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by selective logging, development of tourism/recreation infrastructure, fires.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria. Several localities are within the borders of Vitosha Nature Park, Pirin and Rila National Parks. Some localities are in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the population numbers and range; better understanding of the species biology and ecology; conservation of the habitats; regular monitoring.
References. Hinkova 1950, 1955a, 1958 a, b; Hinkova & Drumeva 1978; Stoichev 1982; Kuthan & Kotlaba 1989; Gyosheva & Vassilev 1994; Gyosheva & Denchev 2000; Gyosheva et al. 2006.
Author: Melania Gyosheva
