Cortinarius caesiocanescens
Cortinarius caesiocanescens M.M. Moser
Cortinariaceae
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(i,iii)].
Morphology and biology. Cap semi-globose to convex or flat, 5–9 cm in diameter, light grey blue to silver whitish. Cortina bluish. Gills notched, narrow, light grey-bluish, light grey, then ochre brown. Stipe cylindrical bulb-like at base, 6–9 × 1.5–2 cm; grey-blue, pale lilac to ochre brown, whitish at base; with cortina remains on the surface. Flesh whitish. Spores 8–10.5 × 4.5–5.5 µm, almond-shaped or ovoid, yellow brown, finely verrucose. IX–XI.
Habitats and populations. On the ground, in dry coniferous forests (spruce – Picea abies, Scots pine – Pinus sylvestris).
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rhodopi Mts (Western – Beglika Strict Nature Reserve).
General distribution. Europe.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by logging, development of tourism/recreation infrastructure, fires, acid rains.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria. The known locality is within the borders of Beglika Strict Nature Reserve and in a site 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 habitat; regular monitoring.
References. Hinkova et al 1979; Gyosheva et al. 2006.
Author: Melania Gyosheva
