Blastosporella zonata T. J. Baroni & Franco-Molano, Mycological Research 111 (2007) 572–580

Monotypic genus with spherical balls of blastospores covering the pileus surface with age.

In Colombia Blastosporella zonata seem to be restricted to Quercus humboldtii forest above 2950 m. Specimens representing this species have been collected in forest around the municipality of Murillo in the Tolima Department. Based on the host distribution, its restricted habitat and the small number of known collections, and suspected population decline, this species could be listed as endangered under criterion C, but because of high uncertainty about actual distribution and numbers is considered NT

So far, only found in Colombia and Dominican Republic. In Colombia its is found only in Quercus forest over 2900 m. Dpto. de Tolima: Municipio of Murillo, in mixed forest with Quercus humboldtii near the sewage treatment plant, 2950 m elev., 4 ° 52’47.1’’ N 75°10’ 0.8’’ W,  22 april 2004. Specimen belonging to this especies have been also found in another three sites around Murillo (El Fifi, La Albania and El Infierno).  In Dominican Rebuplic specimen were reported from two sites of La Vega Province, Valle Nuevo, La Nevera, east of El Monumento, on soil among mosses and tree ferns in cloud forest dominated by Pinus occidentalis, 2180–2200 m elev., 24 Nov. 1997 and at the Ébano Verde Reserve, El Col Trail, on leaf litter and decaying spiny frond of Cyathea sp., 5 Jan. 1997.

The population is declining due habitat loss. Quercus humboldtii forests in Colombia are threatened and is considered as VU species according to national red list. 60% of Quercus humboldtii forest is being lost at an important rate (Rangel, 2005). Since 2004, forest around Murillo have been frequently visited and it has been observed that large part of the forest have been replaced by cultivated plants.

Blastosporella zonata is found on decaying leaves, small sticks or soil among mosses in January, April and November. Holotype was found in mixed forests with Quercus humboldtii in Colombia, near a sewage treatment plant, 2950 m elevation. Other collections were found in a mixed forest with Q. humboldtii in Colombia (3180 m elevation), on soil among mosses and fern trees in cloud forests dominated by Pinus occidentalis (2180-2200 m elevation) in Dominican Republic, and on leaf litter and decaying spiny frond of Cyathea sp. in Dominican Republic.

Habitat loss due to deforestation and conversion to agriculture.

No conservation actions in Colombia in place at the moment.  It is required protection of habitat.

It is neccesary to work on the biology and ecology of this species which is probably cultivated by an insect. Document its distribution is needed,

T.J Baroni & Franco-Molano et al. Arthromyces and Blastosporella, two new genera of conidia-producing lyophylloid agarics (Agaricales,
Basidiomycota) from the neotropics. 2007. Mycological Research 111(2007) 572-580.
Red List (Quercus humboldtii). https://senaintro.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/users/1130585219/LibroRojoMaderables.pdf
Avella M., A. Rangel.Ch. J.O., 2014. Oak forest: conservation and sustainability. Colombia Forestal 17 (4): 100-117
González, C.E, Jarvis A and J.D. Palacio. 2006. Biogeography of the Colombian oak, Quercus humboldtii Bonpl: geographical distribution and their climatic adaptation.