Mediterranean fungus Gymnopilus suberis discovered in Central Europe - a consequence of global warming?

The Mediterranean fungus Gymnopilus suberis (Basidiomycota, Agaricales), which typically lives on wood of cork oak, has been found growing on decaying cherry logs on Oblik hill in the Czech Republic. Molecular methods have confirmed the morphological identification. We compared the species' fructification with long-term climate data from three neighbouring climatological stations and three Mediterranean ones. Although the two regions significantly differ in their macroclimate, the specific micro climate of Oblik hill approaches Mediterranean conditions, particularly in high summer temperatures. We found a statistically supported warming trend in the Oblik region. Temperatures peaked between 2000 and 2006, and the occurrence of the five warmest years after 1990 correlated with the start of the species' fructification. The warming macroclimate and hot local microclimate seem to be responsible for the occurrence of G. suberis in Central Europe. We discuss the biological context of this change in distribution range and host affinity, and comment on the identity of related Gymnopilus species.