A contribution to a check-list of Pezizales (Fungi, Ascomycota) in the Lyon area (France). 1st part: location, habitat, records, synopsis

A check-list of fungi belonging to the order Pezizales (Ascomycota), commonly called Cup-fungi, is now proposed for the French department Rhone. It is based both on past data, gathered mainly by Dr Philibert Riel in the late 19th century, and on data gathered by the author who, for the past fifteen years or so, has regularly been prospecting the area around Lyon in search of Discomycetes. The author starts by describing the locations prospected, goes on to specify the historical context in which the data were gathered, then attempts to put it into perspective by using reference periods, during some of which the fungi were considered an important part of the local natural heritage.