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Francois Guay
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I found a few specimens of a small Helvella under a small Cistus creticus and close to Pistacia lentiscus at Wardija, Malta. No large trees were in the vicinity.
The specimens measure 18-20mm x 20-25mm.
Asci were about 280-285µm x 19-21µm, J-ve and biseptate, Paraphyses slightly inflated with 6-7µm at the tips, Spores with large central oil drop 19.3-22.2 x 12.5-14.1µm; Q = 1.40 - 1.67, Mean = 20.8 x 13.4 µm ; Qe = 1.5
This species appears to be associated with Cistus as the specimens were close to the roots. I had found some similar specimens in a different location some time back but there were no Cistus or Pistacia but Olive trees, conifers and Pinus halapensis. Is this specimen H. semiobruta or H. helvellula?
In my species concept this is a typical Helvella semiobruta. Even if in the protologue was not mentioned any partnership with Cistus, every recent known collection was made under Cistus.
We found it also under pines and olives, but there were always at least a little shrub of Cistus. However it is not impossible that his ecology is not so exclusive. But I think in Malta H. helvellula can well be present. Better you post some foto of these collections when possible.
See Rivista di Micologia 2013 (3).
So, Malta is to add to the known distribution of this species!
Regards
Mario Filippa
Unfortunately I do not have access to Rivista di Micologia and I would appreciate a copy of your paper on this subject.
The other species is very similar and possibly the same species as you say.
The specimens were found in Mgarr, Malta in an area with Olive trees, Pinus halapensis and conifers. I do not remember seeing Cistus plants but I will take a look when I visit again. Collection date 16/1/14 The main difference appears to be the large asci in this collection, but in the previous collection I only measured about 5 different asci. Spore size is the same. The ectal excipulum was photographed from rehydrated essicata.
Asci 311-430µm x 17.6-21.4µm
Spores 19.4-23.4µm x 13.2-14.6µm; Q = 1.33-1.61;
Mean = 21.0µm x 13.9µm; Qe = 1.51
Article sent :)
The second collection cannot be H. helvellula, it is still H. semiobruta most probably.
The size of the asci is extremely variable from young to mature asci with spores ready to be launched. And the mounting media can modify greatly the asci, so I think that it is a feature to be used very carefully, in this case don't give it too much importance.
It should be very interesting for me to have some specimen, if you want you can make some collections an then send them to me (at the end of the season).
Regards
Mario
I'll send you a PM and tell me which specimens you like to have.