The Polypore Fungal Genus Amauroderma

Amauroderma, a stipitate polypore wood-inhabiting fungus has been observed associated with standing-dead individuals of the legume canopy tree Tachigali versicolor. Because of the unusual monocarpic life history of Tachigali, where trees reproduce once before dying, I surveyed the distribution of this fungus in detail. Based on walking surveys of the Barro Colorado Island trail system and permanent plots over three years, I found that Amauroderma uniquely specializes on Tachigali, and furthermore is restricted to the roots of Tachigali trees that are either currently reproducing or that recently reproduced and died. Such strong host-specialization appears to be rare among polypore fungi. The association with reproductive Tachigali trees raises questions as to whether Amauroderma is parasitic and whether its presence is related to the tree’s reproductive events. Future sequencing and isotopic analyses are needed to determine the timing of infection and the nutritional mode of Amauroderma.