Helvella leucomelaena
Helvella leucomelaena (Pers.) Nannf.
Paxina leucomelas (Pers.) O. Kuntze
Helvellaceae
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii,iv)+2ab(ii,iii)].
Morphology and biology. Cap at first regular, cup-shaped (2)4–7(10) cm wide and 1–5 cm high, with serrate margin, then composed of irregular lobes. Upper (fertile) surface wrinkled towards the centre, grey- to dark brown, when dry dark brown to black. Lower surface smooth, hairy; whitish to dark grey-brown above and lighter to whitish below; the base almost white. Stipe short and thick, with several hollows; inside compact or with chambers. Spores ellipsoid, (18)20–25 × 10.5–13.5 µm, colourless. XII–VI.
Habitats and populations. On ground, in coniferous forests, on limestone.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Balkan Range (Western – Godech), Znepole Region (Kalotino), Vitosha Region, Sredna Gora Mts (Western – Lozenska Mt), Rhodopi Mts (Western – Beglika Strict Nature Reserve).
General distribution. Europe, N Africa, South America.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by stock breeding, wood plantations, logging, development of tourism/recreation infrastructure; soil pollution.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria. Several localities are situated within the borders of Vitosha Nature Park and Beglika Strict Nature Reserve. 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. Alexandrov 1969; Hinkova & Alexandrov 1971; Hinkova & Drumeva 1978; Dimitrova & Assyov 2004.
Authors: Roumyana D. Petrova & Cvetomir M. Denchev
