TWO HITHERTO UNREPORTED MACRO-FUNGI FROM ZABARVAN RANGE OF KASHMIR HIMALAYA, INDIA

Abstract

Two hitherto unreported macrofungi viz., Peziza retrocurvata K. Hansen & Sandal and Xylaria polymorpha (Pers.) Grev were collected during mycorrhizal survey in coniferdominated forests of Kashmir, India. These species were identified on the basis of macro and microscopic characteristics. The Kashmir valley located in the north extreme of the India lies between 33º20’ and 34º54’ N latitude and 73º 55’ and 75º35’ E longitude. The forests constituting approximately 20% of the geographical area harbors diverse macro fungal species due to their wide variability in climate altitude and nature of species constituting them. The base line of mushroom flora in the Kashmir Valley has not been generated till date. With this purpose, a systematic survey for exploration and documentation of macrofungal species of Zabarvan forest range of Himalaya was undertaken during the year 2010-2012. These macrofungi are reported for the first time from the Jammu & Kashmir State.