First report of Strobilomyces strobilaceous from Iran

In the framework of collection and identification of bolete fungi of Iran, one specimen from the genus Strobilomyces was collected and identified as Strobilomyces strobilaceus (Scop.) Berk., based on Knudsen & Vesterholt(2008). Morphological characteristics of specimen were as follows: Pileus 5.0–15 cm, fleshy, convex, becoming broadly convex, dry, covered with coarse, large, fibrous, wooly scales on a whitish, grayish to grey-brown back colour. Margin with hanging remnants of partial veil. Pore surface whitish, soon becoming gray and finally black, bruising reddish brown, pores angular, adnate to subdecurrent. Stipe 5–10 cm long, 1–2 cm thick, solid, more or less equal, sometimes slightly curved, grayish to blackish, shaggy, solid. Spores 10–15 × 8–10 >m, subglobose, reticulated, brown. Spore print dark brown (Fig. 1). Material examined: Iran, Gilan province, Siahkal to Deilaman, 770 m, on soil (in the hole on collar of Fagus sp.), 15.10.2008, Asef & Torabi (IRAN 13629 F). This is the first report of a fungus belonging to genus Strobilomyces in Iran. S. strobilaceus is a rare fungus in the world and considered as near threatened, endangered or extinct in different countries (Ing 1993). Collecting such an endangered species in northern Iran is a valuable finding. Based on unique morphological characteristics, members of the genus Strobilomyces had been placed in the family Strobilomyceteceae, but result of recent studies moved them to the family Boletaceae (Binder & Hibbet 2006).