Abstract
Forty-six species of macrofungi (27 genera) were recorded in 25 quadrats (625 m2) in five mangroves of the southwest India (Paduhithlu, Nadikudru, Sasihithlu, Thokottu and Batapady). A maximum of 20 species occurred in Sasihithlu with a highest diversity value. Four species belong to coregroup ( ≥ 10 sporocarps/quadrat), while 29 species were confined to specific mangrove (exclusive species). Out of 1591 sporocarps, Paduhithlu supported the highest number of sporocarps (564) followed by Nadikudru (502). Rarefaction curves showed a steep increase in the expected number of species against the number of sporocarps in Sasihithlu. Pearson correlation between biotic factors (species richness, sporocarp richness and species diversity) and edaphic factors (air and soil) was not significantly correlated. Woody litter supported the highest number of macrofungi (26 species) followed by soil (22 species) and least in leaf litter (7 species). Up to one-third of macrofungi recovered in mangroves are economically valuable (edible, medicinal and ectomycorrhizal).
Acknowledgements
SDG acknowledges the award of an INSPIRE Fellowship by the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi (DST/INSPIRE Fellowship/2013/132: Award # IF130237). KRS acknowledges the award of UGC-BSR Faculty Fellowship by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi. The authors thank Karun Chinnappa for suggestions in identification of many macrofungi.
Supplemental data
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2014.994578.