Two new Aroramyces species (Hysterangiaceae, Hysterangiales) from Mexico

Little is known of the truffle-like fungi of northern Mexico. Few mycologists have collected truffle-like specimens in this area. The wide diversity of habitat and potential mycorrhizal partners portend a unique and varied truffle-like mycota. In the conduct of recent field studies in this region we collected many interesting truffle-like specimens. We present two taxa that have unique characteristics, brownish spores with spines embedded within a distinctly inflated utricle surrounding each spore. Aroramyces balanosporus and A. herrerae are described as new species. This is the first record of the genus Aroramyces from North America.