Clathrus archeri
Clathrus archeri (Berk.) Dring
Phallaceae
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(ii,iii)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Fruit-bodies at first closed, ovoid, approximately 4 cm in diameter, whitish; with receptacle on a stalk and soft elongated volva at the base when mature. Receptacle star-shaped, composed of 4–8 rays, each 5–15(20) cm long. Receptacle’s stalk white in its lower part, reddish towards the top, up to 5 cm high. Gleba on the inner surface of the rays, olive brown, with strong odour. Spores ellipsoid, 5–7 × 2–2.5 µm, hyaline, smooth. VIII–X.
Habitats and populations. On sandy soil in coniferous forests.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea Coast (Southern – Dyuni complex).
General distribution. Europe, North America, Asia, Australia.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by stock breeding, wood plantations, logging, urbanization, development of tourism/recreation infrastructure, soil pollution.
Conservation measures taken. Species the habitats of which need priority protection according to the Biological Diversity Act. Included in the Red List of Fungi 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. Dimcheva et al. 1992; Denchev & Assyov 2010.
Authors: Roumyana D. Petrova & Cvetomir M. Denchev
