Biodiversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi in surface mine spoil restoration stands in Poland – first time recorded, rare, and red-listed species

Results of mycological research conducted in the years 2001–2013 in the restoration stands growing on reclaimed mine spoils are presented. Four opencast lignite mine spoil heaps in Poland were examined: Pątnów-Jóźwin, Adamów, Mt Kamieńsk, and Turów. The paper focuses on 71 species of ectomycorrhizal fungi: recorded for the first time in the country (16 taxa), currently red-listed (23 taxa), known from few localities only (32 taxa). Notes on their ecology and habitats are provided, as well as their distribution in Europe and in Poland. Restoration tree stands, established as part of the reclamation process of mine spoils, form a unique habitat for many rare and interesting fungal taxa. Among them are pioneer species, species known mainly from Northern Europe or mountainous locations, highly specialized and narrow-niche taxa, and many threatened species. Afforested mine spoils contribute significantly to the fungal biodiversity, both at a local and at a larger scale.