The genus Helvella in Iran

This study is a review on the genus Helvella (Pezizales, Helvellaceae) in Iran. Study on sles deposited in Iran fungal herbarium along with the fresh materials collected by the author revealed that seven species of Helvella, H. acetabulum, H. atra, H. crispa, H. elastica, H. ephippium, H. lacunosa and H. leucopus (as H. monachella) have already been reported from Iran. Three other species viz, H. costifera, H. latispora and H. leucomelaena are reported newly for Iran. Reidentification of specimen named as H. cf. pezizoides showed it is belong to H. ephippium. Short description and photographs of the new records along with distribution map and fruiting frequency of Iranian species are provided. Analyzes of collection time of about 70 specimens showed that all of the species reported from Iran, have been collected from North and NorthWest of country and most of the ascocarps are found in autumn, last summer and fall (October). An identification key to the Helvella species collected in Iran is presented.