Some Fungal Symbionts of Ectotrophic Mycorrhizae of Pines in South Africa

Abstract

Earlier research of mycorrhiza of pines in South Africa is reviewed. Twenty-one species of Basidiomycetes which are considered to be obligate symbionts of mycorrhizae of pines, were found in four major pine-growing areas of South Africa. These include 10 Agaricales, seven Boletaceae, three Gasteromycetes and Thelephora terrestris. The largest number of symbionts were found in the south-western Cape Province and the largest number of Amanita spp. were seen in the eastern Transvaal where no Russula spp. occurred. Two species, Amanita excelsa and Russula caerulea, are recorded from South Africa for the first time. Five more species, known to be mycorrhizal symbionts and previously recorded in South Africa, were not found during this survey. An important mycorrhizal symbiont, Pisolithus tinctorius, was never found under pines.