Podaxis pistillaris (Gasteromycetes) from the desert of southern Iraq, an addition to the known mycota of Iraq

Abstract

The desert gastroid mushroom Podaxis pistillaris (L. ex Pers.) Fr. collected from sandy desert habitat in southern Iraq was identified for the first time from this region. A detailed description and photographs are provided in addition to some information on its world distribution and traditional medicinal significances are discussed based on the available literature.