Sequestrate (truffle-like) fungi of Australia and New Zealand

• DOI: 10.1071/sb00002
• Publication Date: 2002-08-24T18:08:36Z
• Authors: Neale L. Bougher; Teresa Lebel
• Keywords: Polyphyly

Sequestrate fungi are a polyphyletic, diverse group of macrofungi with truffle-like, underground (hypogeous) or emergent fruit bodies, which well represented in Australia and New Zealand. The first species the region were described 1844, but sequestrate have been poorly documented until recent times. Regional diversity is high comparison to other parts world: for ascomycetes basidiomycetes 83 genera 294 currently known 32 58 Only an estimated 12–23% 25–30% On that basis, between 1278–2450 may occur 193–232 Centres some groups region, e.g. Russulaceae (five genera, 68 species) Cortinariaceae (eight 33 species). Some less than northern hemisphere, Boletaceae (seven 25 More 35% Australian 95% endemic; Zealand about 45% 80% endemic. share similarities at generic level (11% total) do not many same (4% total). Knowledge biogeographical distributions limited by incomplete taxonomic knowledge insufficient collections. Gondwanan, Australasian widespread/cosmopolitan patterns evident. exotic recently introduced indigenous world-wide as exotics eucalypt plantings. Within Zealand, there evidence characteristic suites co-occur different climatic vegetation types. Mycorrhizas taxa range morphological physiological attributes relating their effect on plants broader roles ecosystem nutrient cycling health. Spores dispersed fauna. There tripartite inter-dependent interactions mycorrhizal plants, native mammals birds use food. Major environmental influences affecting distribution, abundance include climate, topography, soil, animals. Imposed upon such natural human-induced disturbance factors alter habitat heterogeneity, fire, fragmentation replacement organisms. Rare endangered likely most data determine rarity commonality. In face poor knowledge, assemblage-based habitat-based approaches appropriate conservation management fungi. Habitat heterogeneity be important scales ranging from types local topographic-related variations.