Fungi (macromycetes) in various types of mediterranean forest ecosystems (Tuscany, Italy)

The results of mycocoenological research conducted over a period of nearly 30 years in central southern Tuscany (Italy) are reported. The 599 fungal species found in 11 permanent plots include ubiquitous taxa and taxa linked preferentially or exclusively to certain types of forest ecosystems. Fungal 1 biodiversity was particularly high in evergreen oak forests of the Grosseto coast. Classification of samples brought out affinities and differences between the various fungal communities. Ordering by detrended correspondence analysis revealed that the relevés were disposed along a climate-altitude gradient. The health status of the forests, evaluated according to criteria proposed by Central European authors, was generally found to be good. The period of major fungal fruiting was autumn, though the duration of fruiting varied between different environments: in high altitude and coastal environ-ments, the fungal mycelium produced carpophores nearly all year round, whereas no carpophores were found for many months in the hill belt.