From pots to soil-a first verified record of outdoor Leucocoprinus birnbaumii (Corda) Singer in Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the Flowerpot Parasol, is a saprophytic fungus that typically grows in pots and greenhouses. Although this striking yellow species is cosmopolitan, it is uncommon to encounter the species in soil or in non-cultivated environments. In Malaysia, the outdoor occurrence of this species is recorded from unverified citizen science observations. But many of these public observations are based on immature fruiting bodies, which are easily confused with other yellow fungal species and carry a possible risk of misidentification. This study provides the first verified record of outdoor L. birnbaumii fruiting in the soil, a habitat rarely reported for the species. Although it expands the knowledge of its ecological range, its absence in the current survey suggests that the species does prefer humus rich and composted soil in plant pots rather than open ground. Detailed macro- and micromorphological characteristics of the species are also presented to provide reliable reference material for citizen scientists and emphasizes the importance of specimen-based documentation in fungal biodiversity studies. Species monitoring and conservation strategies are also highlighted to ensure this attractive fungal species is protected against extinction risk.