Barcheria

Barcheria is a fungal genus in the family Agaricaceae. This is a monotypic genus, containing the single sequestrate species Barcheria willisiana, found in western Australia.

Barcheria
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Division:
Basidiomycota
Class:
Agaricomycetes
Order:
Agaricales
Family:
Agaricaceae
Genus:
Barcheria

T.Lebel (2008)
Type species
Barcheria willisiana
T.Lebel (2008)

Taxonomy

The type material was collected from mallee woodlands near Norseman, Western Australia. The genus name Barcheria honours Barbara Archer, "an enthusiastic and versatile collector who has contributed much to the knowledge of the arid-land fungi of Western Australia." The specific epithet willisiana acknowledges the Jim Willis family of Victoria.[1]

Description

Fruit bodies of Barcheria are small, measuring 15–65 mm (0.6–2.6 in) by 13–55 mm (0.5–2.2 in). They have a fragile texture, lack a stipe, and have purplish-brown scales on the outer skin (peridium). The internal gleba changes colour from cream to pale after it is exposed to air. Spores are thick walled and smooth, roughly spherical to broadly ellipsoid, and hyaline (translucent) when mounted in water or dilute potassium hydroxide. They have dimensions of 10.5–16.5 by 8–12 µm. Basidia (spore-bearing cells) are two-spored and measure 28–39.5 by 5–10 µm; cystidia are rare. The hyphae lack clamp connections.[1]

Other sequestrate fungi in the family Agaricaceae include Montagnea, Gyrophragmium, Longula, and Endoptychum. In contrast with these genera, Barcheria lacks a stipe, the gleba changes colour upon exposure, and its spores are hyaline.[1]

Habitat and distribution

The fungus is known only from the type locality, where it was found fruiting from July to August in red clay loam at a roadside verge. Nearby vegetation included species of Eucalyptus, Allocasuarina, and Melaleuca.[1]

gollark: ❗
gollark: Appearance/Basic Anatomy Their golden scales retain heat better than other dragons. The twin dorsal fins at their shoulders grow slowly. When first born, the golden scales are at their brightest and then dull over time. The dorsal and tail spines are not sharp. The underbelly has harder scales than the rest of the body. Three digits on each wing, with a small claw-like digit at the central joint. Eyes have slit pupils that are bright apple green. The tail is prehensile to a degree and helps steady movements.Hatchling Behavior Hatchlings are timid but curious. At a young age, scales start out sharp. When encountering other metallic dragons, Golds become very talkative. They can’t do much flying until the twin dorsal fins are long enough.Adult Behavior Can be persnickety at times. Absolutely love objects as shiny as they are. Being hunted for their lustrous scales has made them tend to avoid humans. Dislike direct sunlight when in groups. Highly intelligent compared to other breeds. Have studied humans to a small degree but are not particularly impresssed with them.Habitat Can be found near caves. Hatchlings tend not to stay where they are supposed to. Prefer dense wooded areas.Diet Primary diet of large game and pack animals. Are careful to avoid killing off entire herds. “Snack” on nuts, if available.
gollark: Gold what?
gollark: INdeed.
gollark: `his horse travelling with the speed of a thousand gazelles`

See also

References
  1. Lebel T, Thompson DK, Udovicic F (2008). "Description and affinities of a new sequestrate fungus, Barcheria willisiana gen. et sp. nov. (Agaricales) from Australia". Mycological Research. 108 (2): 206–13. doi:10.1017/S0953756203008736. PMID 15119358.


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