Geasters in the Western Ghats and west coast of India

Inventory in different locations of the Western Ghats and west coast of India during 2011–2013 yielded six species of geasters (Geastrum fimbriatum, G. lageniforme, G. pseudostriatum, G. saccatum, G. schweinitzii and G. triplex). Based on fresh basidiomata, illustrations of geasters are presented with macroscopic and microscopic observations. Fruit bodies of G. lageniforme were gregarious and abundant followed by G. triplex, while G. pseudostriatum were rare and solitary. Among the geasters, G. triplex was ectomycorrhizal with native tree Terminalia paniculata of the west coast. Geastrum fimbriatum, G. pseudostriatum and G. schweinitzii constitute the first record for the Western Ghats of India. Distribution, substrate preference, ectomycorrhizal features, economic value and conservation of geasters are discussed.