First report of rare fungus Ramariopsis pulchella from Iran

Abstract

In the framework of collecting and identifying macroscopic fungi of Iran, samples of a coral mushroom were collected and identified as Ramariopsis pulchella (Boud.) Corner (Agaricales, Clavariaceae) based on literature. This is the first report of species from Iran. The characteristics of the identified taxon are as follows: The fruit body consists of coral-shaped branches, pale pink to deep purple; coral branches have regular to irregular sub-branches, double to multiple in length and tip; tips of branches and sub-branches may be sharp or rounded; length of the fruit body is up to 5 cm and the number of branches that determines the width and range of the fruit body is variable; spores spherical to semi-spherical with dimensions of 2.5–3.5 × 3.5–5 µm. Specimen examined: IRAN: Mazandaran Province, Pol-e Sefid, Anarom, saprophyte on soil on the debris of plants and leaves, 6.7.2023, Asef, M.R. (IRAN 18308 F).