The Occurrence of Tuckahoes and Poria Cocos in Florida

Abstract

SummaryThe sclerotia of Poria Cocos (Schw.) Wolf occur in Florida, especially in the sandy soils. The fruiting stages were developed in pure culture from portions of the inner contents of the sclerotia removed aseptically and planted on poured agar plates. The pores, basidia and spores, in structure, size, shape, color and content, corresponded well with descriptions given by Wolf. The common and scientific names applied to the sclerotium of this fungus since 1722 are given, with the synonyms listed. The term tuckahoe, formerly applied to all tuberous, terrestrial growth, is suggested for the bulbous rootstalks of phanerogamic plants only. The fungous tubers should be grouped under the term sclerotia, when their fruiting structure is unknown, and classified according to the fructifications they are shown to produce. Weathered and partially disintegrated fruiting structures similar to those artificially developed, resembling a Poria, were observed in nature on the cortex of several sclerotia.The following new hosts of the fungus are reported from Florida: magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora; grapefruit, Citrus paradisi; sweet orange, Citrus sinensis; oak, Quercus sp., and eucalyptus, Eucalyptus sp. (Figs. 2–5).