To date, 1,600 macrofungi—which are fungi with visible fruiting bodies, like mushrooms—have been identified and cataloged at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA). Researchers use visual identification of sporocarps paired with DNA markers to make positive identifications. Fungi play a vital role in the forest ecosystem, as decomposers, mycorrhizal associates, pathogens, and anchors of soil. Research after two fires at the HJA show that overall species richness was higher in the unburned old growth forest, but some fungi, called Pyrophilous, are favored by fire, both fruiting more readily and increasing in abundance in the soil in burned areas.  

Photo: this distinctive macrofungus, Astraeus pteridus, can be found on the forest floor following a wildfire.