Tricholoma colossus
Tricholoma colossus (Fr.) Quél.
Tricholomataceae
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv)].
Morphology and biology. Cap semi-globose to umbonate, 10–20(25) cm in diameter, red brown, chestnut brown, smooth, then scaly cracked; margin enfolded. Gills slightly notched narrow, white, ochre, to yellowish pink. Stipe cylindrical and thickened at base, 5–22 × 3–8(10) cm, lighter than the cap, whitish in the upper part, with rapidly disappearing ring-like, fibrillose, thickened part, scaly below it. Flesh thick, white, red at exposure. Spores ovoid to pear-shaped, 6–10 × 4–7 µm, colourless, smooth. IX–XI.
Habitats and populations. On poor, acid soils in coniferous and mixed forests, under pines (Pinus). In the locality in Momchilovski Dol Managed Nature Reserve, a group of 5 fruit-bodies has been recorded only once.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Pirin Mts (Northern – Ikrishta locality and Betoulovoto locality), Rhodopi Mts (Central – Momchilovski Dol Managed Nature Reserve, near Zdravets rest house).
General distribution. Europe, Asia, Australia.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by logging, infrastructure development (tourism/recreation, transport), fires, gathering for food, etc.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria. Several localities are within the borders of Pirin National Park and Momchilovski Dol Managed 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. Stoichev & Stefanov 1983; Stoichev & Dimcheva 1988; Gyosheva & Andreeva 2000; Gyosheva et al. 2000, 2006.
Author: Melania Gyosheva
