Distribution of Macrofungi in the Quantaushi Forest, a Long-Term Ecological Research Site in Taiwan

Abstract

The distribution and diversity of basidiomycetous macrofungi at the long-term ecological research site in Gudaushi forest in central Taiwan were studied. The ecological characterization of the research site is described. Eight 100 m2 experimental plots were set up and sampled for ecological study. The dominant vegetation was composed of members of the Melastomataceae, Lauraceae, Gleicheniaceae, Proteaceae, Myrtaceae and Juglandaceae. The major macrofungal genera were Mycena, Marasmius, Xylobolus, Trametes, Russula, Coriolus, Lactarius, Amanita, and Stereum. Most of these macrofungi fruited in July. A less number of macrofungi were observed in March. Mycena and Marasmius were the most common macrofungi fruiting both in the summer and winter. Basidiocarps of Russula, Coriolus, Lactarius, Amanita, Armillaria, Fomitopsis, Ganoderma, Microporus, and Rhodophyllus species were present only in the summer period. Xylobolus, Trametes, Stereum, and Peniophora fungi were found in the winter. The distribution of macrofungi in the experimental plots varied. The occurrence and diversity of the macrofungi were associated with the type of predominant vegetation. The plants occurring in the richest plots were Blastus cochinchinesis, Cinnamomum randaiense, Helicia rengetiensis, Syzygium buxifolium, Engelhardtia roxburghiana, Smilax china, Cunninghamia lanceolata, Nephrolepis auriculata, and Plagiogyria dunnii. Illicium arborescens and Diplopterygium chinensis occurred in the plots with the fewest observed macrofungi. This study indicated that the distribution of macrofungi was related with the plant community and the environmental conditions of the forest ecosystem.