Mycological Collection

The mycological collection forms an integral part of our natural history holdings, comprising fungi and lichen specimens. It includes both common and rare or lesser-known species, documenting their diversity and distribution within the territory of Slovakia. The collection consists primarily of dried exsiccates of fungi (Basidiomycota and Ascomycota) as well as lichen samples. Among its notable specimens is the imperial bracelet fungus (Catathelasma imperiale), a species that is currently in rapid decline within its natural habitats. Other noteworthy examples include the violet chanterelle (Gomphus clavatus), the zoned tooth fungus (Hydnellum concrescens), the yellow spatula fungus (Spathularia flavida), and several others.
The lichen collection contains numerous remarkable specimens, including rare taxa such as the witch’s hair lichen (Alectoria sarmentosa), Arthonia leucopellaea, the lungwort lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria), and the powdered nephroma (Nephroma parile), among others.

These collections hold both scientific and educational value. They serve as vital resources for researchers, students, educators, and the wider public, while also enabling the monitoring of biodiversity changes and the occurrence of threatened species. The collection is continuously enriched with new accessions from in-house research activities as well as acquisitions from qualified external contributors. Exhibitions, lectures, and public outreach initiatives, aimed at raising awareness of the ecological importance of fungi and lichens, constitute a significant component of the collection’s presentation.

Curator: Ing. Maroš Peiger