Astraeus is a widespread genus of gasteromycete in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate
regions. During mycological survey, two distinct species of Astraeus were recovered from the
Southwestern India. Astraeus hygrometricus was frequent in forests of foothill region of the
Western Ghats. In fire affected scrub jungles of the west coast, Astraeus odoratus was common and
represents second report from the Indian Subcontinent. Astraeus spp. recovered were
ectomycorrhizal in a variety of native and exotic tree species growing in sandy loam/gravel/pebblerich
lateritic soils. Tender A. hygrometricus occurring in forests of foothill region of the Western
Ghats serve as traditional nutritional delicacy and sold in local markets during rainy season.