Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on basidiomycete fungi in sandy coasts of Japan

Abstract

Ecosystems of sandy coasts play an important role to the intersection between ocean and land, and sandy coasts fulfill valuable, different ecosystem functions. Sandy coasts have several protective elements as buffers of land against storm, salt spray, wave attack and erosion of the hinterland, and they provide a unique habitat for flora and fauna. Mycobiota of basidiomycete fungi in sandy coasts also seems to be unique though it is not comprehensively investigated in the world with a few exceptions in Europe and South America. Recently, rapid decreasing of naturally vegetated sandy coasts arises in the world, and conservation of sandy coasts ecosystems is highly required. Investigations of mycobiota in sandy coasts are important to attempt conservation of their ecosystems and biodiversity. In this review, taxonomy and phylogeny of Geastrales, Phallales and Agaricales fungi such as Geastrum, Phallus, Gastrosporium and Typhula species inhabiting in Japanese sandy coasts were presented, and their diversity and biogeographic implications were discussed.