Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Burnt Spine-cap Sárcodon fuligíneovioláceus are one the most endangered
mycorrhizal fungal species in Europe. They have their main distribution in Sweden. It
form mycorrhiza with pine and dependent on limestone, which makes it connected to
a rare environment. It has therefore been important to study the ecology of it further
and to recognise the requirement it has on the environment more accurate and what it
need to establish in a new area. In this study, 31 of 34 known sites in Sweden was
visited and studied in field and their history analysed through aerial photographs. The
research show that the fungus mainly exists in old forests with long continuity of trees
but also in new forests established during the last centaury. The appearance of fruit
bodies and most likely also the establishing in new places is favoured by a dry
environment. Distinguished are a coarse-grained soil texture and a thin litter layer.
Often there is impact from tracks or shore. The dominant direction of open habitat,
mainly by river and lake, and slope are to the south and west where the warmth of the
sun is most intense. There are several examples of establishments in new areas which
totally were devoid of forest for 80 to 150 years ago. The results can be useful for
conservation work and protection of the species.