Objective: Cryptococcus neoformans which is a basidio-myceteous fungus, is isolated from the decayed hollows and niches on trees in various parts of the world. Tamarisk (Genus: Tamarix L.) trees are common in Anatolia and mainly used for landscaping purposes. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of C. neoformans in tamarisk tree and to follow its colonization in sampled materials.

Material and Methods: The samples were obtained from 201 Tamarix trees from Aegean and Mediterranean regions of South-Western Anatolia. Staib agar containing biphenyl and antibiotics were used for culture. During environmental survey period, sampling tubes with swabs were kept at laboratory and were regulary subcultured.

Results: C. neoformans was isolated from only one (0.49%) Tamarix hispida as 280 colonies/swab. Sequential isolations were done from the same colonized tree during the five-months period following the first isolation. During the four mounth period, although the number of the colonies exhibited a decreasing trend, C. neoformans was successfully re-cultured from the same sampling tube stored at room temperature.

Conclusion: Tamarix trees could be a new colonization niche for C. neoformans. These yeasts are likely to remain active in sampling tubes in laboratory conditions.