An unusual subterranean occurrence of fossil fungal sclerotia

摘要

Black deposits occurring as parallel superficial strata in the Ramioul Cave, Belgium, are demonstrated to be composed mainly of fungal sclerotia. The deposits date from 7500 to 2750 years BP and appear to have been formed during several periods of flooding. Although fungal sclerotia are sometimes known to float in lakes and streams, the very heavy deposition of these appears to be unusual and to be the result of special conditions in the cave.