Morchella mediterraneensis
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Introduction
[edit]Morchella Mediterraneensis is a species of morel mushroom which has captivated scientists, chefs, and foragers alike. Found primarily in the Mediterranean region, this morel is prized for its culinary value and unique ecological role [1].
This mushroom is a member of the Morchella Genus, known for its honeycomb-like appearance and earthy flavor.
| Morchella mediterraneensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Pezizomycetes |
| Order: | Pezizales |
| Family: | Morchellaceae |
| Genus: | Morchella |
| Species: | M. mediterraneensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Morchella mediterraneensis Taşkın, Büyükalaca & Doğan, 2016
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Taxonomy and naming
[edit]The species was described by Taşkın, Büyükalaca, and Doğan in 2016 based on its morphological and molecular characteristics.[1] The specific epithet mediterraneensis reflects its prevalence in the Mediterranean biogeographical zone.[1]
Description
[edit]The ascocarps are medium-sized, ranging from 25 to 60 mm (1.0 to 2.4 in) in height. The pileus is hollow, conical, and features a deep, narrow sulcus where it attaches to the stipe. The ridges are dark violet to black, while the pits are light gray to olive gray with bluish tinges when young, maturing to a honey-brown to golden-brown hue. The stipe is hollow and often constricted at the base, becoming cream-white to light honey-brown with age.[1]
Spores are elliptical to oblong, measuring 20–24 × 11.2–13.8 µm, with faint wrinkling visible under scanning electron microscopy. Paraphyses are 2–4-septate, cylindrical, or clavate, while acroparaphyses are lanceolate to clavate with thickened walls.[1]
Habitat and distribution
[edit]Morchella Mediterraneensis is native to the Mediterranean Basin. It thrives in regions with warm, temperate climates and prefers sandy soils, often found near pine or oak forests. The species has been recorded in countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and parts of North Africa [1] 1,000 to 1,700 m (3,300 to 5,600 ft).[1]
Preferred Ecosystems
[edit]This Morel favors semi-arid regions with sufficient rainfall in the spring. Its fruiting bodies typically emerge after a fire, making it a pyrophilic fungus.
Seasonal Growth
[edit]This prime season for finding Morchella Mediterraneensis is early spring to late May, depending on regional weather patterns.
Phylogenetics
[edit]Molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that Morchella mediterraneensis is closely related to Morchella snyderi, a species endemic to western North America.[1] Despite their similar morphology, the two species are distinct, with the former having smaller spores and greenish-bluish tinges in young specimens.[1]
Ecology
[edit]This species grows in symbiosis with various trees in mixed forests.[1] It is commonly collected in Turkey and represents 83 of the 491 Morchella collections made in the country as of the study.[1]
References
[edit]Further reading
[edit]- Du X.-H., et al. (2012). "Multigene molecular phylogenetics reveals true morels are especially species-rich in China". Fungal Genetics and Biology 49: 455-469.
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