Alder Naucoria
Naucoria eschcharoides
The Alder Naucoria is a small, ochre to yellow-brown agaric fungus within the Hymenogastraceae family. It typically grows on damp soils in close proximity to alder trees, with which it forms an obligatory ectomycorrhizal association. The cap is usually finely scaly or fibrous and reaches a diameter of up to 3 cm.
Details
Identification
Cap 1-3 cm wide, ochre to olive-brown, finely scaly; gills pale brown with lighter edges; stem 3-6 cm long, brownish, often hollow; smell slightly radish-like.
Diet
Ectomycorrhizal fungus; obtains photosynthesis products (sugars) from alders and in return provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and water.
Overwintering
Survival as mycelium in the soil or in symbiosis with tree roots.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important symbiotic partner for alders for nutrient acquisition in wet locations; promotes the vitality of riparian woodlands.
Natural predators
Insect larvae (fungus gnats), slugs.
Competitor species
Other Naucoria species such as Naucoria scolecina.
Ecosystem service
Support of tree growth in wetlands, contribution to the nutrient cycle in the soil.
Threats
Drainage of bogs and carr forests, loss of alder stands due to diseases (Phytophthora alni).
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Strict association with alder (Alnus); felted-scaly cap surface; ochre-brown spore print; microscopically characterized by fusiform to lageniform cheilocystidia and finely verrucose spores (approx. 8-11 x 4-6 µm).
Habitat
Alder carrs, alluvial forests, stream and river banks, damp depressions and bogs with alder stands.
Reproduction
Sexual reproduction via basidiospores formed on four-spored basidia.
Protection & threats
Status not on standard scale
Main threats
Drainage of wetlands, lowering of the groundwater table, conversion of alder carrs into forestry monocultures.
Conservation measures
Preservation and restoration of alder carrs and floodplains; ensuring a natural water balance in wetlands.