Macroscopic Fungi of Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape Northwestern side, with a description of Nidula banahawensis sp. nov. (Basidiomycota)

Collection and photo-documentation of macroscopic fungi at Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL) were done to account the existing macroscopic fungal species in the area. This protected landscape was categorized as one of the priority areas for biodiversity conservation in Southern Tagalog Region. Macrofungi sampling was completed using Transect Line (TL) with a combination of quadrat and opportunistic sampling methods. Sixteen transect lines were laid out and ten quadrats of 10m x 20m with an interval of 250m were designated for each TL. All macrofungi were photographed in their natural habitat. A total of 62 species were collected and photo-documented. These belong to Class Ascomycetes and Class Basidiomycetes. Further, a new species of bird’s nest fungus is described, named Nidula banahawensis. This fungus appears to be unique in growing mossy-montane forest at an elevation of 6,131 ft. A detailed description, taxonomical remarks, photographs of basidiomata, peridioles, and illustrations of basidiospores and section of peridiole with double-layered cortex are provided. Up-to-date fungal documentation in MBSCPL revealed a very low number of species as compared to other protected areas in Southern Tagalog. Moreover, more field surveys of the Landscape is anticipated to discover a rich and diverse fungal flora in MBSCPL.

 

Keywords: biodiversity, macroscopic fungi, Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape, Nidula, Basidiomycetes, Gasteromycetes