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Mushrooms in the food culture of the Kaani tribe of Kanyakumari District
Abstract
India is inhabited by over 50 million tribals belonging to 550 communities and in Tamil Nadu 36 tribal communities live, while six tribal communities are found in the Southernmost Kanyakumari district. Of the six tribes, Kaani tribe lives in the forests and hills of the Western Ghats. The Kaani tribe lives in consonance with Nature and their life is linked to the forest ecosystem. Though they live in settled areas, they still retain the traditional hunter-gatherer instinct, and collect their food from the forests that include mushrooms. Mushrooms contain a host of defense potentiators, which stimulate the immune system of humans. These mushrooms provide rich resources for the gene banks.
... Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Swapna et al., 2008;Johnsy et al., 2011;Davidson et al., 2012;Thulasinathan et al., 2018;Pavithra et al., 2020 Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél. ...
... Kerala and Tamil Nadu Kavishree et al., 2008;Ramkumar et al., 2010;Johnsy et al., 2011;Davidson et al., 2012 Russula cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr. ...
... Orissa Sachan et al., 2013;Panda and Tayung, 2015 Kavishree et al., 2008;Johnsy et al., 2011;Davidson et al., 2012;Pahlevanlo and Janardhana, 2012a;Pushpa and Purushothama 2012;Akash et al., 2017;Santhoshkumar and Nagarajan, 2018;Rout et al., 2020;Vrinda, 2021 Termitomyces medius R. Heim and Grassé Karnataka Karun and Sridhar, 2017 Termitomyces radicatus Natarajan ...
Wild edible mushrooms are an important component in the diet of tribals of the Indian subcontinent. The current survey documented a total of 206 species belong to 73 genera in four states of southern India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa) mainly based on ethnic knowledge. The highest number of species were found in Kerala (87 spp.) followed by Karnataka (85 spp.), Tamil Nadu (68 spp.), and Orissa (42 spp.). Up to 162 species have been restricted to one of the states indicate their requirement of specific habitat or microclimatic conditions, while four mushrooms were found in
all states (Pleurotus ostreatus, Termitomyces eurrhizus, T. heimii, and T. microcarpus). Among the mushrooms Termitomyces were found as high as 24 species, followed by Russula (20 spp.), Agaricus (14 spp.), Pleurotus(13 spp.), and Lentinus (11 spp.). Distribution pattern of these species in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa differs drastically and does not match with the forest areas in these states. It is predicted that these wild mushrooms are rely on the climatic conditions, nature of forest, and type of substrates. Documentation of ethnic knowledge on the ecosystems, substrate specificity, and edibility of wild mushrooms are crucial toward conservation
and further progress. Ethnic knowledge on wild edible mushrooms is an emerging area that could be designated as ethnotaxonomy, which is unique and dependent on the folk knowledge of tribals to be exploited explicitly for future prospects.
... Even Auricularia spp. is not listed amongst the 12 edible and 19 medicinal mushrooms collected by Pushpa and Purushothama (2012) from Bangalore, Karnataka. However, Auricularia auricula-judae (locally called murukan kumizh) along with edible wild mushrooms belonging to the genus Grifola, Lentinus, Pleurotus, Termitomyces, Volvaria are reported to be consumed by the Kaani Tribe of Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu as alternative source of protein (Johnsy et al. 2011;Davidson et al. 2012). The Kaani tribe incorporate Auricularia mushrooms into their culinary practices by collecting the fruitbodies, cleaning them, and then gently pounding them with an equal quantity of rice in a wooden mortar. ...
... The final dish is typically served alongside cooked rice or tapioca. Some Kaani individuals incorporate grated coconut into this preparation (Davidson et al. 2012). Furthermore, Auricularia auricula-judae holds medicinal significance within the Irula tribal community of the Walayar Valley, located in the southern Western Ghats of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. ...
Giri S, Paul P, Pradhan P. 2025. Review: Ethno-mycological perception towards wood ear fungi (Auricularia spp.) in and around the Indian Subcontinent. Asian J For 9: 82-96. The genus Auricularia, commonly called wood ear fungi, is a notable group of basidiomycetes valued for their culinary, medicinal, and nutraceutical properties. These fungi, widely distributed across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, play a crucial ecological role as saprophytes and potential plant parasites. Domesticated for over 2,000 years in East Asia, Auricularia spp. has been integral to traditional Chinese medicine, treating ailments such as sore throats, ophthalmia, and staphylococcal infections. Their bioactive compounds exhibit antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and immune-enhancing properties, with Auricularia auricula-judae is notable for its lovastatin content, beneficial in managing hypercholesterolemia. In the Indian subcontinent, Auricularia spp. hold significant ethnomycological value, particularly among indigenous communities in the Northeastern states, as well as in Bhutan and Nepal. However, their usage varies, with communities of Tibeto-Burman language family integrating them deeply into culinary and medicinal practices, while communities of Austro-Asiatic language family remain less familiar. This disparity in use is influenced by factors such as cultural practices, availability, and the transmission of traditional knowledge. Despite their economic potential, commercial cultivation in the region is underdeveloped, contrasting with China's dominance in global Auricularia production. With improved cultivation techniques, awareness, and market strategies, these fungi could bolster rural economies. The present review explores the ethno-mycological perception towards the genus Auricularia in and around the Indian sub-continent, highlighting their cultural, medicinal, and economic significance.
... Tribes also use T. heimii, T. microcarpus, V. volvacea, A. auriculata, L. fusipes, and L. tuberregium as food. 39 Phellinus rimosus (Berk.) Pilát (Hymenochaetaceae) is a wood-inhabiting polypore macrofungus. ...
... Wild edible mushrooms used ethnomedicinally by different tribal communities of Kerala, India22,24,29,39 ...
Wild edible mushrooms are a valuable dietary food to many tribal people around the world. Wild medicinal mushrooms are therapeutically important sources of bioactive compounds. Tribal groups in Kerala ('Adivasis' of Kerala) are indigenous, ethnic populations that live in the forests and mountains of the Western Ghats, bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Cholanaikkans, Kurumbas, Kattunaikkans, Kadars, and Koragas are the five primitive tribal groups in Kerala, constituting nearly 5% of the total tribal population in the state. Knowledge on the edibility of mushrooms is mainly based on folk taxonomy and traditional knowledge of indigenous people. Tribal people use some wild mushrooms as sources of food and medicine for various ailments in their communities. Auricularia auriculata, Agaricus bisporus, Boletus edulis, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinus edodes, and L. squarrosulus are therapeutically important medicinal mushroom species used by the tribal people of Kerala. This article discusses the wild edible and medicinal mushrooms used by different tribal communities in Kerala.
... Additionally, they are distinguished by the special structure of the typically free lamellae, perforatorium, and a spore print that appears pinkish (Tang et al. 2020). Termitomyces are very slow growers on culture media, and it is rather difficult to isolate them from their natural habitat due to the presence of many other fungi (Sargunam et al. 2012, Nakalembe et al. 2015. Termitomyces species also have shown antitumor, antioxidative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties and bio-remedial activity (Singha et al. 2019 (Verma et al. 2019), and in Sri Lanka. ...
Sri Lanka's varied ecosystems, climate, geography, and soils support a rich fungal diversity. Despite the recording of ≈ 53 species of edible wild mushrooms, only a few are popular among the local populace. The global significance of wild mushrooms to livelihoods is well-known, yet this potential remains largely unexplored in Sri Lanka. Additionally, there is a lack of studies on the edibility and medicinal value of wild mushrooms in the region. This review compiles available literature on Sri Lanka's edible wild mushrooms, highlighting their characteristics and potential industrial uses. The study delves into nutritional profiles, bioactive compounds, and traditional uses of these mushrooms, emphasizing their importance in local diets and traditional medicine. Furthermore, it explores the possibilities of integrating wild mushrooms into various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agriculture. Additionally, the review identifies several underutilized species with high nutritional value, which could be promoted as alternative food sources to enhance dietary diversity and food security in Sri Lanka. The significance of this study lies in its potential to bridge the existing knowledge gap, providing a better understanding of the untapped potential of these mushrooms and stimulating further research and industrial exploitation. The findings emphasize the need for sustainable harvesting practices and conservation efforts to protect these valuable fungal resources. Moreover, promoting the cultivation and commercialization of wild mushrooms could enhance food security, contribute to rural livelihoods, and drive economic development in Sri Lanka.
... Sachan et al. (2013) studied the WEM flora of Odisha's Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR) and how indigenous tribes used it for food and medicinal. The mushrooms found in the SBR are native to several parts of India, including the North-East, as mentioned by some authors (Verma et al., 1995;Singh et al., 2007;Atri et al., 1997;Davidson et al., 2012). The northeastern part of India is a transition zone between the biogeographical region of India, Indian Malay and Indian Chinese, and forms many gateways to India's flora and fauna. ...
... Sachan et al. (2013) studied the WEM flora of Odisha's Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR) and how indigenous tribes used it for food and medicinal. The mushrooms found in the SBR are native to several parts of India, including the North-East, as mentioned by some authors (Verma et al., 1995;Singh et al., 2007;Atri et al., 1997;Davidson et al., 2012). The northeastern part of India is a transition zone between the biogeographical region of India, Indian Malay and Indian Chinese, and forms many gateways to India's flora and fauna. ...
... Toxic and hallucinogenic mushrooms have also been reported from Vrinda and Pradeep (2011). Tamil Nadu has 36 tribal communities and six communities are living in Kanyakumari District depending on wild mushrooms for food and medicine, the majority of tribe called Kaani employs seven wild mushrooms as source of food (Sargunam et al., 2012). Venkatachalapathi and Paulsamy (2016) documented 30 wild medicinal mushrooms in the Walayar Valley of Tamil Nadu based on the knowledge by the Irula tribe. ...
The Indian subcontinent embraced about 550 tribal communities with nearly 50 million population. They are intimately associated with the natural resources such as flora, fauna, and forest products in their vicinity for their nutrition, health, agriculture, and shelter. In addition to nutrition, several wild or ethnomedicinal mushrooms are used by many tribals for medicinal, nutraceutical, and health-promoting purposes. Tribal knowledge on the medicinal mushrooms is one of the main phases to go forward to authenticate the pharmaceutical values. This review sheds light on the use of 100 wild mushrooms (belong to 61 genra) toward medicinal or health care purposes by the ethnic groups mainly from the northern region of India. Among the 12 states of the Indian subcontinent, the highest number of ethnomedicinal mushrooms occur in Jammu and Kashmir (42 spp.) followed by Uttar Pradesh (36 spp.) and West Bengal (20 spp.). The highest number of medicinal mushrooms are used for single ailment (35 spp.) followed by two (28 spp.) and three (20 spp.) diseases. Among the 21 ailments, as high as 42 mushrooms are used to tackle dermatological problems followed by respiratory (20 spp.) and haematological (18 spp.) diseases. Up to 16 mushrooms are used as food or as health drink (or tonic). A maximum of six species each of Russula and Termitomyces are used in ethnomedicine, followed by five species of Morchella. Different facets discussed include wild mushrooms, ethnomedicinal mushrooms, current developments, and
future challenges on the ethnomedicinal mushrooms of India.
... cause food poisoning in different localities. Five species of Termitomyces namely, T. microcarpus , T. heimii, T.eurrhizus, T clypeatusand T. medius were found largely on the soil with long pseudorrhiza.Termitomyces mushrooms become an important source of nutrients as well as micronutrients including vitamins and minerals [50]. "Several species of Termitomyces are commonly used ethnomedicinally for health promotion and treatment of illnesses. ...
Mushrooms are consumed worldwide because of their nutritional, medicinal values as well as pleasant taste and flavour. Wild edible mushrooms are source of livelihood for poor and landless people which they consume and sell the surplus mushrooms in the nearby market. Many people are not aware about the edibility of wild mushrooms which are generally confined to the tribal areas. However, tribals are aware of the edible mushrooms due to their age-old traditional uses and fond of hunting mushrooms during rainy season. The present paper deals with availability, collection, consumption pattern of wild edible mushrooms by tribals communities, along with preservation and economical contribution of Termitomyces heimii, a popular wild edible mushrooms profusely growing during rainy season of the Similipal, state of Odisha, India. Similipal has a greater diversity of mushrooms throughout the length and breadth due to its varying soil and climate conditions. T. heimii collected the tribal people from near forest area in 4-5 different times in huge quantities during July to October. It partly consumed and rest of the mushroom are sold in the market at a price of Rupees 300/- to 400/-. Termitomyces were more frequently available in Sal (Shorea robusta) forests. Many traders visit forest fringe villages and collect this mushroom from local collector’s and sell it in the marker with profit. Due to its taste, the mushroom has got very high demand in this locality that, it is sold within 5-6 hours after reaching to market. It is assessed that mushrooms worth 14 lakhs are sold in Baripada alone a nearly town of Similipal. The valuation T. heimii alone made by the authors during the field assessment showed that, the entire of Similipal is contributing economically nearly 1.2 crore value of mushrooms as contribution towards livelihood of tribal people. In interior areas tribal people preserve the mushrooms after drying it and consume later during after the season is end. During the study, a survey was conducted in villages adjoining to the forests and local markets to assess the quantities of mushrooms collected from forest and the value of selling valve on the market. Exercise was conducted to know the traditional preservation practice of this mushroom by tribals. From the present investigation, it is concluded that T. heimii is an important wild edible mushroom from Similipal which provides, nutrition and economic boost to the tribals in Similipal region. This promising species can be explored for its domestication in view of its preferred food value as well as a livelihood support of the rural poor people.
... This is expected since Bicolanos are known for their dishes with coconut milk. In India, the Kaani tribe in the Kanyakumari district also cooked mushrooms by boiling and adding grated coconut and seasoned with spices, salt and green chilies to add flavour and aroma (Davidson et al., 2012). Moreover, the Khasi tribe cooked mushrooms by frying, together with salt, butter, black pepper, chilli and a little garlic paste (Khaund and Joshi, 2013) while in Cameroon the indigenous people of Kilum-Ijim mountain forest consumed mushroom as raw, boiled with water and stir-fried (Teke et al., 2018). ...
In the Philippines, mushrooms are one of the most important foods of the local communities situated near the mountainous region. However, they lack knowledge on how they fully benefit from these important resources found in the area. In this study, the survey and documentation on the traditional knowledge of Bicolanos on the utilization of mushroom species was conducted. Qualitative survey was done using interviews with the help of survey questionnaires for the documentation of data and followed by collection of mushroom species using purposive sampling. The collected mushrooms were placed in the sterile properly labelled brown paper bag for molecular identification and for germplasm preservation. The results showed that there were seven mushroom species utilized mainly as food by the Bicolanos. During the collection, five species were collected and were initially identified using its morphology and verified using molecular approach. The collected mushroom PCO8 has 100% sequence similarity to Schizophyllum commune (MK732122.1), the mushroom sample PC01 has 99.59% sequence similarity to Auricularia polytricha (MN523226.1), the mushroom sample PC04 has 99.09% sequence similarity to Coprinopsis cinerea (KX468975.1), the mushroom sample PC05 has 99.84% sequence similarity to Pleurotus djamor (KY328723.1) and the mushroom sample PC16 has 100% sequence similarity to Volvariella volvacea (MG280838.1). People in the community still practice the traditional beliefs and knowledge acquired from their ancestors on mushroom utilization and cultivation. These practices left by their ancestors were traditionally passed on verbally from generation to generation.
... Termitomyces mushrooms become an important source of nutrients as well as micronutrients including vitamins and minerals [19,20]. Bioactive components that Termitomyces mushrooms contain have potential uses as antioxidants, immunomodulators, antitumors, and antimicrobials. ...
... Fruiting bodies of Termitomyces mushrooms substantially contain high proteins (27-36%), ascorbic acid (10-18 mg/g) as compared to other edible mushrooms (Nakalembe et al., 2015;Thatoi and Singdevsachan, 2014), ergosterol (Malek et al., 2012;Sargunam et al., 2012) and important minerals like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, copper and iron (Aryal and Budhathoki, 2014). Apart from the reported medicinal values of Termitomyces such as rheumatism, lowering blood pressure, controlled obesity, kwashiorkor and treating diarrhoea, Termitomyces fruiting bodies are also rich in phenolic compounds (Woldegiorgis et al., 2014) and polysaccharides which significantly exhibited antioxidant, antitumor and antibacterial properties (Rashid et al., 2018). ...
During the monsoon season, a wild-termite mushroom Termitomyces heimii RFES 230662 (THR2) was successfully isolated from Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The mushroom was morphologically labelled based on its stipe, pileus, and the budding mycelia from the termites nest. Genetic component of THR2 (300 bp) was sequenced and found to be 99% identical to Termitomyces sp. strain. The evolutionary distance (Knuc) of the isolate justified THR2 as T. heimii species. Two THR2 extracts were prepared from fruiting body (FB) and mycelial biomass (MB) for antimicrobial responses. THR2 was cultivated in a submerged-fermentation (SF) producing 8.55 g/L of MB, 0.80 g/L of endopolysaccharide (ENS) and 1.44 g/L of exopolysaccharide (EPS), respectively. For THR2-FB, two ENS extracts were obtained using hot (3.20 g/L) and cold-water (1.36 g/L) treatments. FTIR spectra analysis verified all polysaccharide as β-glucan when compared to laminarin standard. Those β-glucan possess antibacterial properties with highest response shown by ß-glucan-FB compared to ß-glucan-MB extracts. These findings serve as the blueprint for the production of β-glucan from a rare termite mushroom.
... The collection of wild mushrooms is a traditional activity in southern states also. There are reports of sociobiological uses of mushrooms from Karnataka (Karun and Sridhar 2013;Pavithra et al. 2015;Santhosh et al. 2016), Tamil Nadu (Johnsy et al. 2011;Davidson et al. 2012;Venkatachalapathi and Paulsamy 2016), and Kerala (Varghese et al. 2010;Shahina et al. 2019). However, there is hardly any ethnomycological information from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. ...
The present communication deals with the details of progress of research work done on fleshy mushrooms in India over a period of time with special emphasis on systematics, biochemical, cultivation, and sociobiological aspects. The beginning of mushroom research in India dates back to nineteenth century. Since then lot of advancement has been made on various aspects. Earlier exploratory work on fleshy mushrooms was done following traditional techniques; however at present taxonomical work is being done on modern lines following both classical and latest molecular techniques. Besides this, mushrooms are also being evaluated for bioactive constituents which make them an excellent culinary option as functional food. The cultivation of mushroom is another aspect which has also started flourishing in the country. Over a period of time it has become a flourishing side venture for the entrepreneurs mainly in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, North Eastern States, etc. which offer high profit with relatively low investment. Mushrooms are also being evaluated for their therapeutic relevance in the treatment of some of the common ailments including diabetes, cancer, AIDS, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, etc. In India, mushrooms remain an open field with innumerable opportunities for the researchers to explore and undertake researches in the areas of inventorization, evaluation, and domestication. Simultaneously, entrepreneurs need to take up the challenge of domestication, commercialization, and popularization of newer strains of fleshy mushrooms from the wild with application in human food and medicine.
... Termitomyces mushrooms become an important source of nutrients as well as micronutrients including vitamins and minerals [19,20]. Bioactive components that Termitomyces mushrooms contain have potential uses as antioxidants, immunomodulators, antitumors, and antimicrobials. ...
The medicinal uses of the mushroom still need to be worked out for their biological activities. Current review demonstrate that Termitomyces mushrooms have medicinal properties possesses a number of beneficial medicinal properties such as antioxidants, immunomodulators, anti-tumors, and antimicrobials. These activities have been reported for various extracts and isolated compounds, such as phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, cerebrosides, serine protease, ergostanes, saponins, and fatty acid amides from Termitomyces fruiting bodies.
... They were utilized not only medicinal plants and also traditionally utilized in wild mushroom. More ethnomycological studies were conducted in different regions of India (14,15). In recently, Santhoshkumar et al. (16) has been studied sirumalai hills totally 38 macrofungi species, belonging to 20 families and 29 genera were recorded. ...
The present study carried out in exploring the macrofungal diversity in Pillur Valley, Coimbatore district, Western Ghats of Tamilnadu, India. The study was assessed from lower to higher altitude ranges in the different vegetation during the June, 2016 to August, 2017. The results of the survey revealed that thetotally 20 species belonging to 11 families, 17 genera and 3 different orders were identified and in addition with 65 % Edible, 35 % Non edible mushrooms were identified. The documented mushroom species are Agaricus campestris, Ganoderma lucidum, Coprinus comatus, Marasimus sp, Hygrophorous sp and Termitomycets microcarpus. In conclusion, these wild species of mushrooms had rich amount nutritional properties and dietary fibres which is used as supplement for malnutrition deficiency especially Vitamin D and it is suggested for cultivation practices for large scale production and commercialization.
... Observed slight variation in colour, shape of pileus and size of pseudorhiza. But overall the present samples collected were identical with the earlier reports (Sargunam et al. 2012). ...
An ethnomycological study was conducted during the period 2014-2017 among selected tribes in Attappadi and Wayanad area of Kerala by semi structured interviews and collection trials. The result revealed diversity in usage of wild edible mushrooms among tribes. Total 35 species of mushrooms were collected during the study which belongs to 6 orders 14families and 18 genera. High-quality digital images of mushrooms with details of morphology, ecology, and spore print colour can be accessed from http://www.alberts.ac.in/botany/fungus.
... The people also used natural resources in war. 10 On an occasion the king refused to meet the kani people who went to see the king with fruits, honey and vegetables. So the malayarasan got angry and decided to bring the king outside the palace. ...
Indigenous medicine is considered to be the most important component of indigenous people which is widely practiced among the tribal communities. According to 2011 census about 1% of the total population in Tamil Nadu is tribal people. Out of which the majority were Kani people. They are largely found in Kanyakumari District. The chief places of Kani settlements include the forest areas of Pechiparai, Vilavancode, Kalkulam, Thovalai and Agastheeswaramtaluk. These indigenous people live in harmony with nature. The forest where they lived in was filled with herbal plants. The lifestyle of the people living here has a lot of medicinal value which makes the people to be healthy throughout their lifespan. They rarely get affected by diseases.
... According to records in Chinese medical literature and food cultures of India and Africa, mushrooms have been regarded as vital sources of diet and medicines since thousands of years ago (Chang, 1980;Davidson, Johnsy, Samuel, & Kaviyarasan, 2012;Wani, Bodha, & Wani, 2010). As a deliciously tasty wild mushroom, porcini usually lives on the roots of pine trees and is served as an ectomycorrhizal fungus with a visible fruiting body. ...
Misrecognition and toxic elements are two of several reasons responsible for food poisoning even death in the summer, a time when a great deal of edible mushrooms is celebrated in Southwestern China featured as complex environment conditions. It is highly important to identify the difference of chemical constituents in edible mushrooms at the regional‐scale. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were applied to investigate organic matters and 18 mineral elements in porcini mushrooms of six species collected from 17 sampling sites in nine Yunnan cities. Classification models on the species, regions, and part levels were established using sparse partial least square‐discriminant analysis and principal component analysis. At the species level and region level accuracies of greater than 92.1% and 92.8% was achieved, respectively, whereas on the part level caps and stipes were classified with 96.7% accuracy. One of the most popular mushrooms is Boletus edulis characterized by polysaccharide, lipid, and ribonucleic acid as well as several phenolic compounds. Temperature and precipitation show possible influences on accumulations of polysaccharides and ribonucleic acid. Furthermore, the most important elements of caps contributed the difference between two parts are copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and phosphorus (P), whereas stipes instead by manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co). These results demonstrated that FT‐IR spectroscopy and elements contents provide information sufficient for classifying different porcini mushroom samples, which might be helpful for controlling food security and quality assessment of edible mushrooms.
... It is known to be edible and a source of food throughout central Africa (Watling, 1993), in eastern peninsular Malaysia, it is a valuable medicine against diarrhea (Burkhill, 1966;Sumaiyah et al., 2007) especially effective in children (Chang and Lee, 2004;Lee et al., 2006) and it has been used in many herbal preparation for coughs, indigestion and dysentery (Chang and Lee, 2007). But in India it is known just as an edible mushroom from several parts of the country: Kanyakumari (Johnsy et al., 2011;Davidson et al., 2012), Orissa (Susthrishanta, Unpublished data) and few other parts of Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats (Kaviyarasan et al., 2009;Kumar, 2009). Microscopically it shows cylindric spores with cylindric to fusoid, elongated cystidia and trichodermial to fusiod pileal elements. ...
Lentinus tuberregium, a common wood rot edible and medicinal mushroom distributed through the tropics was collected from different regions across Tamil Nadu, South India. It is characterized by large robust pale yellow to yellow hard basidiocarp with stout stipe arising from sclerotia and moreover the context is thin at margin and thick at centre and the spores are cylindric and hyaline. The study reveals that this species is usually found on the mango tree substrate and occur below the altitude of 600 m.
... Termitomyces mushrooms are not only superior in taste (Pegler and Piearce 1980) but also rich in proteins (27-36%) and ascorbic acid (10-18 mg/g), substantially high among edible mushrooms (Aletor 1995;Ferreira et al. 2009;Gbolagade et al. 2006;Nakalembe et al. 2015;Ogundana and Fagade 1982;Thatoi and Singdevsachan 2014). In areas where staple foods with low nutrition values are consumed and result in poor health and death, Termitomyces mushrooms become an important source of nutrients as well as micronutrients including vitamins and minerals (Nakalembe et al. 2015;Sargunam et al. 2012). For example, the Irula people in India consume 187 kg T. heimii and 194 kg T. microcarpus as food and medicine within a season (Venkatachalapathi and Paulsamy 2016). ...
Termitomyces is a genus of edible mushrooms commonly consumed in Africa and Asia among the mushrooms collected from the wild. Termitomyces mushrooms grow as symbionts in the termite nests, where they produce various enzymes to help termites digest lignocellulosic substrates. Many species of Termitomyces are used by different ethnic groups with ethnomedicinal knowledge. Bioactive components that Termitomyces mushrooms contain have potential uses as antioxidants, immunomodulators, antitumors, and antimicrobials. Termitomyces also has a potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review the bioactive compounds from Termitomyces species that have been isolated and assayed in vitro and/or in vivo for their medicinal properties.
... More than ten ethnic groups of SBR were found to be mycophilic and have extensive traditional mycological knowledge (Sachan et al. 2013). The mushrooms identified in the SBR are native to many parts of India which were reported by some authors in the North-Eastern hills of India (Verma et al., 1995;Singh et al., 2007;Tanti et al., 2011); North Western Himalayas (Atri et al., 1997) and Kanyakumari district (Davidson et al., 2012). The northeast region of India is known for its rich biodiversity. ...
Diversity of mushrooms in Nagaland, India.
... Occurrence and distribution: Botanical garden, Konaje, Mangalore, Karnataka (present study); B'Shettigeri, Madikeri and Virajpet in Kodagu District of Karnataka (Karun & Sridhar 2013); Pune in Maharashtra (Patil et al. 1979). Chandhakkunnu, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kollam, Kuthiran, Malappuram, Nilambur, Peechi, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Potta, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Wadakkancherry andWayanad in Kerala (Florence &Yesodharan 2000;Mohanan 2011;Farook et al. 2013); Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu (Davidson et al. 2012). Fruit body small, delicate agaric, whitish-grey cap, white gills, black stipe without pseudorhiza; seen in small troops, annual and inedible. ...
This study reports 11 species of macrofungi in the botanical garden and arboretum of Mangalore University. Frequent species include Clathrus delicatus, Entoloma serrulatum and Tetrapyrgos nigripes in the botanical garden, and Collybia aurea and T. nigripes in the arboretum. Five species are edible (Collybia aurea, Lepista sp.,
Russula adusta, R. atropurpurea and Termitomyces microcarpus), one is medicinal (T. microcarpus) and two are ectomycorrhizal (Russula adusta and R. atropurpurea) with critically endangered endemic tree species Vateria indica (Dipterocarpaceae). Some macrofungi grow on bark, woody litter and leaf litter, while others were found on typical lateritic soils with organic matter. Termitomyces microcarpus was common in the faecal pellets of termites in the botanical garden. Brief descriptions of species based on field and laboratory observations, along with their substrates and distribution, are given.
Keywords: Arboretum, ectomycorrhizae, edibility, laterite soil, macrofungi, mushrooms.
... Fish and meat are dried to be consumed later in areas with water body (Armaan and Basu 2012). Wild mushrooms are found in food culture of some tribes (Johnsy et al. 2012;Tanti et al. 2011). There is a great role of wildlife in the livelihood of forest dependent communities. ...
This paper is an endeavour to define and describe the diversity contained in circumstances surrounding the Sauria Paharia food and medicine system and the wealth of knowledge of their local environment. Sauria Paharia is one of the nine primitive tribal groups of Jharkhand. This hill tribe still practice shifting cultivation and have a definite system of knowledge transmission pattern of resource utilization over the generations. The present research is an outcome of an in-depth study carried out in a purposively selected uni-ethnic village of Pakur district of Jharkhand. The village is inhabited by only 22 household of Sauria Paharia comprising of 108 souls. Despite their insignificant numerical strength, the community has evolved a very comprehensive system of food management that not only help in sustaining their nutritional requirements but also ensure their medicinal necessities. The data were mainly collected with the help of structured schedule followed by open ended interview in a group and individually as well. Participant observation becomes handy during trail walk through the forest accompanied by few ‘expert’ villagers in identifying critical resources that are used by the villagers during the distress period like drought or during crop failure. With regard to the medicinal plant knowledge key informant interview was conducted to understand and document the folk medicine system. Local medicine-man (Guru), who mainly prepare medicine from different parts of plants, administers the treatment in their traditional way was interviewed. The data on dietary intake pattern, food availability, pattern of harvest, key food preparation have been categorized and described in the paper. Finally the article argues the importance of sustaining the knowledge of such small scale community to ensure the conservation of critical resources for the benefit of mankind.
Keywords: Food system, Indigenous Knowledge, Critical resource conservation, Sauria Paharia, Jharkhand
... More than ten ethnic groups of SBR were found to be mycophilic and have extensive traditional mycological knowledge (Sachan et al. 2013). The mushrooms identified in the SBR are native to many parts of India which were reported by some authors in the North-Eastern hills of India (Verma et al., 1995;Singh et al., 2007;Tanti et al., 2011); North Western Himalayas (Atri et al., 1997) and Kanyakumari district (Davidson et al., 2012). The northeast region of India is known for its rich biodiversity. ...
Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are known for its medicinal and nutritional value across the globe. WEM have become one of the most prized after food especially in the developed countries where people are mostly health conscious. The present study throws light on the diverse flora of WEMs of Nagaland and how it can be income generator for the tribal people with proper research in this aspect. Till now, the knowledge of distinguishing between edible and non-edible varieties is only confined to people who go for mushroom hunting. As such the indigenous knowledge remains with only those few people involved. The current data can pave the way for future research work and also make people aware of the many varieties of WEMs available in the state. A total of 33 WEMs were collected and identified during the peak mushroom season of the state i.e. from end May to September of every study year.
... Macrofungi are used by peoples from time immoral as food and medicine to cure various diseases 18 . Now a days with increasing modernization and industrialization lots of new synthetic drugs are available in markets for various disease but they shows many adverse effects. ...
Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India is home to diverse form of macrofungi some of which are excellently edible and commonly used by local peoples as food and medicine. The nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of four wild edible macrofungi, viz. Calocybe gambosa, Calocybe indica, Macrolepiota procera and Tuber aestivum collected from different areas of Gorakhpur were evaluated. The total phenol content of each species along with some bioactive compounds was analysed. The nutrient composition of these macrofungi showed that they are rich source of protein and carbohydrate. Protein, carbohydrate, lipid, fibre, moisture and ash ranged from 31.40-49.05%, 41.25-65.00%, 0.27-1.08%, 6.41-17.97%, 54.75-76.97%, 2.64-10.34%, respectively on dry weight basis. Total phenol contents (major antioxidants components) ranged from 23.89-38.37GAEmg/gm in different macrofungi. Current study confirms that macrofungi are healthy source of food and medicine can also be use as alternative source of protein in human diet. © 2015, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR). All rights reserved.
... Distribution. Karnataka (Swapna et al., 2008), Tamil Nadu (Johnsy et al., 2011;Sargunum et al., 2012) and Kerala (Mohanan, 2011). Non-gilled, small to medium, fleshy, neither encrusting nor bracket-like, purple brown to grey brown, fruit bodies sessile, ear-like, grow in tires, annual, lignicolous, infrequent, odour and taste are not distinctive and inedible. ...
This chapter provides preliminary observations on the diversity, distribution and ecology of macrofungi in selected biomes (sacred groves, reserve forests and agroforests) of Kodagu region of the Western Ghats. One-time survey of three biomes during monsoon season (August-October, 2011) yielded 25 species with a highest of 23 species in agroforests and the rest two biomes possess 12 species each. A brief description based on the field and laboratory studies along with substrates and distribution in the Western Ghats are given. None of the macrofungi was frequent in all biomes and nine species were restricted to agroforest sand one species each confined to sacred groves and reserve forests. Among the macrofungi recovered, a maximum of 17 species are known from the Western Ghats of Kerala followed by four species from Karnataka and one species from Tamil Nadu. Eight species were edible, five species were medicinal and one species was ectomycorrhizal, and all except for Tricholoma sp. were recovered from agroforests shows the potential of this biome of Kodagu region in cultivation and harnessing economically valuable macrofungi. Strategies and necessity of further exploration of macrofungi in different ecological niches of the Western Ghats are highlighted.
... However, in a phylogenetic study, the nematotoxic compound producing L. tuber-regium was placed in the Pleurotus clade, supporting a placement in Pleurotus (Thorn et al. 2000). This fungus is therefore excluded from the key, but has been reported from the Western Ghats of Kerala (Geetha et al. 2002) and of Tamil Nadu (Johnsy et al. 2011, Davidson et al. 2012, Kumar & Kaviyarasan 2012. This is a strictly terrestrial species arising from a subterranean sclerotium. ...
Panus natarajanus sp. nov. from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, is described, illustrated
and discussed along with P. velutinus, P. tephroleucus, P. ciliatus, P. hookerianus, Lentinus fasciatus, L.
concentricus, and L. megacystidiatus. Lentinus alpacus is re-allocated to Panus as P. alpacus comb. nov.,
and contrasted with P. parvus. A short description with illustrations is provided of L. concinnus, which is
also newly reported from the Western Ghats. A synoptic key for all species of lentinoid fungi of the Western
Ghats is provided.
... Distribution. Karnataka (Swapna et al., 2008), Tamil Nadu (Johnsy et al., 2011;Sargunum et al., 2012) and Kerala (Mohanan, 2011). Non-gilled, small to medium, fleshy, neither encrusting nor bracket-like, purple brown to grey brown, fruit bodies sessile, ear-like, grow in tires, annual, lignicolous, infrequent, odour and taste are not distinctive and inedible. ...
This chapter provides preliminary observations on the diversity, distribution and ecology of macrofungi in selected biomes(sacred groves, reserve forests and agroforests) of Kodagu region of the Western Ghats. One-time survey of three biomes during monsoon season (August-October, 2011) yielded 25 species with a highest of 23 species in agroforests and the rest two biomes possess 12 species each. A brief description based on the field and laboratory studies along with substrates and distribution in the Western Ghats are given. None of the macrofungi was frequent in all biomes and nine species were restricted to agroforest sand one species each confined to sacred groves and reserve forests. Among the macrofungi recovered, a maximum of 17 species are known from the Western Ghats of Kerala followed by four 74 species from Karnataka and one species from Tamil Nadu. Eight species were edible, five species were medicinal and one species was ectomycorrhizal, and all except for Tricholoma sp. were recovered from agroforests shows the potential of this biome of Kodagu region in cultivation and harnessing economically valuable macrofungi. Strategies and necessity of further exploration of macrofungi in different ecological niches of the Western Ghats are highlighted.
... Knowledge on Termitomyces with tribal and local populations is utmost important in identifying the habitats and to develop strategies for habitat conservation. For instance, the Kaani tribe in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu is dependent on the forest ecosystem for their nutritional security, which is partially met by Termitomyces mushrooms (Johnsy et al. 2011, Sargunam et al. 2012. Similarly, tribes like the Gowda, Kodava, Kuruba, Kudiya and Yarava, living in hilly parts of the Kodagu region, are experts in collecting mushrooms and aware of the specific localities and the seasonal availability of termitomycetes. ...
This study documents five species of Termitomyces distributed in the forests, plantations and grasslands of the Western Ghats and west coast of India. Occurrence and distribution of Termitomyces have been assessed based on literature and the present survey. Descriptions of recorded Termitomyces species are given along with diagnostic features for identification. Traditional knowledge of Termitomyces has been documented based on the experience of a tribal sect and the local population. As termitomycetes are largely uncultivable, strategies are recommended for conservation of their habitat and sustainable harvesting of this human nutritional source as an alternative to plant- and animal-derived foods.
Keywords: Termitomyces, Western Ghats, distribution, traditional knowledge, tribal food security.
Exploring the nutritional attributes of wild edible mushrooms can be vital in addressing global food security. However, there is a dearth of studies on wild edible mushrooms regarding their identification, nutritional status, and molecular characterization in Mizoram, North East India, an integral landscape of the Indo-Burma hotspot region. In the present study, samples of wild edible wood-growing mushrooms were collected from the Mamit and Champhai District of Mizoram. The present study investigated the identities and phylogenetic relationships of the eight fungal species using molecular approaches. The mushrooms were identified up to the species level based on fungal sequences with known identities in GenBank, viz. Auricularia delicata, Laetiporus sulphureus, Panus roseus, Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus cystidiosus, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus pulmonariusand Schizophyllum commune. Further, the identified mushrooms were analysed for macro and micro-nutritional values to assess their suitability for human dietary intake. Results revealed that the collected wild edible mushrooms were rich sources of protein (17.79 -36.46 g/100 g), carbohydrates (58.14 -33.77 g/100 g) and fibres (5.63 -8.32 g/100 g), while the amount of fat(1.93 -2.77 g/100 g) was low. In addition to bio-molecules, the mushroom samples contained appreciable amounts of essential minerals. Therefore, the selected mushrooms can be used as a potential foodstuff and may also be used as a supplementary protein diet to maintain human health and help achieve food security and sustainable development goals. The present results encourage bio-prospecting, and the need to explore wild edible mushrooms further, especially in the least explored global biodiversity hotspots for sustainable livelihood.
En todos los continentes diversas representaciones interrelacionan los hongos, la danza y el ritual con la historia de la humanidad. Esto ha sido evidenciado en contextos arqueológicos antiguos y en situaciones actuales como festivales folclóricos, ceremonias chamánicas, rituales espirituales o terapias trasnpersonales. Bajo estas premisas se toman como muestras para ser examinadas posibles representaciones etnomicológicas en el arte rupestre del Parque Nacional Natural del Chiribiquete en Colombia. En este artículo se analizan tres evidencias arqueológicas que sugiere una iconográfica simbólica donde Humanos-hongos danzan bajo un contexto ritual o ceremonial proyectando un mundo onírico de estados elevados de conciencia; dichas hipótesis son correlacionadas con otras pinturas rupestres donde se ha documentado un uso de hongos enteógenos que implican danzas o performance en contextos socio-culturales y con los relatos milenarios por parte de comunidades amazónicas y se analiza la diversidad actual de macrohongos basidiomicetos reportado en la Amazonia colombiana. Este trabajo aporta una aproximación al entendimiento de una cosmogonía que entrelaza hongos enteógenos y la danza en el pasado y un recurso de reflexión a la importancia del conocimiento sobre la funga en la Amazonia colombiana.
Macrofungi are an evolutionarily and ecologically important segments of the fungal kingdom exists independently as well as in mutualistic association with plants and animals. They play prime ecological roles in the degradation of lignocellulosic materials, nutrient transport and biogeochemical cycles in varied ecosystems. Macrofungi prefer a variety of substrates and their enzymes are responsible for nutrient cycling. Mutualistic association (ectomycorrhizae) with roots, support many tree species to derive nutrients from the soil. Many macrofungi have also mutualistic association with fauna to provide nutrition, in turn, disseminate their propagules to new habitats and facilitate genetic exchange or recombination. Even though some macrofungi are parasites of animals, they will be benefited by dispersal through their hosts to new niches. In spite of several macrofungi being pathogenic to many tree species, they involve in nutrient cycling. Several macrofungi are capable of bioremediation of pollutants and xenobiotics by their powerful enzymes. Macrofungi succumb to habitat loss, various natural disturbances and human interference, which leads to affect their normal ecological functions and services. With valuable ecosystem services, macrofungal resources deserve conservation to maximize their benefits to plants, animals and ecosystems. Keywords: Dipterocarpaceae, bioremediation, disturbance, ectomycorrhiazae, faunal association, human interference, nutrient cycling, mutualism, pathogens, substrates
Amanita is an important cosmopolitan genus that comprises of morphologically, ecologically and economically valued species with a global record of up to 613 species. Although many species of Amanita are poisonous, they possess useful metabolites of therapeutic significance. Recent reports reveal that there are about 66 species of Amanita occur in different ecosystems of the Indian subcontinent, especially from the Himalayas and the Western Ghats. Southwestern India provides suitable ecological and climatic conditions such as the Western Ghats, foothills, coastal plains and maritime habitats to support a variety of Amanita species. So far, about 30 species of Amanita have been documented in southwest India representing ectomycorrhizal, medicinal, non-toxic, edible and poisonous species. The association of Amanita species with the family Dipterocarpaceae is highly significant owing to the logging of dipterocarps for quality timber. The present chapter aims to offer the diversity, distribution, the ecological and bioactive potential of Amanita species occurring in southwest India. Emphasis has been laid on the ecological, nutritional and bioactive potential of edible ectomycorrhizal Amanita hemibapha and A. konajensis.
Keywords: Western Ghats, foothills, west coast, scrub jungles, forests, maritime habitats, ectomycorrhizal mushrooms, poisonous mushrooms, non-toxic mushrooms, edible mushrooms, ecosystem services
Macrofungi are versatile non-conventional sources of a human diet consisting of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds and therapeutics. The geographic locations of southwest India encompass a variety of ecosystems in the Western Ghats, foothills, coastal plains and maritime regions. The wide climatic conditions as well as the type of ecosystems in southwest India influence the diversity, distribution and dissemination of macrofungi. The species and sporocarp richness were higher in the Western Ghats forests than in other coastal ecosystems. The core-group fungi recorded so far are unique to the southwest Indian ecosystems without much overlapping. Although soil, leaf litter and woody litter have been mainly studied in southwest India, other substrates are less studied (e.g. animals, animal excrements and termite mounds). Macrofungal mutualistic association in southwest India needs special attention (e.g. ectomycorrhizae, bipartite association and tripartite association). Traditional knowledge of tribals on macrofungal identification (edible, medicinal and poisonous) needs more emphasis. Special attention needs to be implemented in southwest India (in forests, agroforests, plantations and sacred groves) for sustainable growth, harvest, utilization and domestication of wild macrofungi. The present chapter emphasizes the diversity, distribution and ecological studies on macrofungi of southwestern India as baseline data.
Keywords: Coastal sand dunes, coprophilous fungi, core-group fungi, ecological niches, ecosystem services, ectomycorrhizae, entomopathogens, mangroves, mushrooms, termitomycetes, Western Ghats
The genus Termitomyces-An appraisal of some basic and applied aspects from India. Abstract The mushroom genus Termitomyces is a paleotropic exosymbiont forming mutualistic association with Macrotermitinae, a group of fungal mycelium eating termites. Because of its intimate mutualistic association with termites, culinary credentials and public preferences for its excellent flavor and meaty texture the genus Termitomyces carries great ecological and socioeconomic significance. Basidiocarps of Termitomyces species develop from fungal combs constructed by termites using substrate, their fecal material and the soil within the termite nests. During rainingraining season the basidiocarp of this mushroom genus are commonly gathered by the local inhabitants for personal consumption as well as for selling to the local consumers both in African and Asian countries including India. Due to their exotic taste termitophilic mushrooms are considered as table delicacy in comparison to other mushrooms. For accurate identification and phylogenetic analysis of termitophilic mushrooms both classical as well multigene molecular sequencing techniques are included worldwide in recent years. In view of the importance of these mushrooms in human welfare on the basis of available information in literature an attempt has been made in this treatise to give an insight into their diversity, morphological variation, mutulistic, association, ethnomycological, sociobiological and therapeutic aspects.
The present study explored the medicinal mushroom species used by the Irula tribal community in Walayar Valley, the southern Western Ghats of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India. The study was between May 2013 to August 2014 and reportson30medicinal mushroom species belonging to 23 genera in 13 families. The fungi occurred between 421 to 834m above m.s.l. Mushrooms were recorded in separate field data sheets, including binomial name, local name, medicinal uses and quantitative assessment of mushroom species collected per season per Kg based on information provided by the Irula community. These species included treatment of eight different illness categories. The study concludes their nutritional and medicinal potential, as well as ethno medicinal uses, which may have future pharmaceutical application.
The morpho-taxonomy of 15 agaric species belonging to Agaricales collected from
dipterocarp forests of Western Ghats of Karnataka is briefly described, discussed and their
geographic distribution in India is presented. Of these, Crepidotus payettensis is reported for the first
time from India. Cyptotrama asprata, Hygrocybe acutoconica, H. alwisii, Oudemansiella furfuracea,
Hypholoma subviride and Lactocollybia epia are reported for the first time from Karnataka State. The
taxonomy of Oudemansiella furfuracea and Hypholoma subviride contravening to the current name
in Index Fungorum is discussed. In addition, a checklist of agarics comprising of 121 species in 55
genera reported from Western Ghats of Karnataka is also provided on the basis of published sources.
Overall, 132 species in 60 genera belonging to Agaricales, Polyporales and Russulales are presented
in this paper.
Mushrooms are the higher fungi which have long been used for food and medicinal purposes. They have rich nutritional value with high protein content (up to 44.93%), vitamins, minerals, fibers, trace elements and low calories and lack cholesterol. There are 14,000 known species of mushrooms of which 2,000 are safe for human consumption and about 650 of these possess medicinal properties. Among the total known mushrooms, approximately 850 species are recorded from India. Many of them have been used in food and folk medicine for thousands of years. Mushrooms are also sources of bioactive substances including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antitumour, anti-HIV and antidiabetic activities. Nutriceuticals and medicinal mushrooms have been used in human health development in India as food, medicine, minerals among others. The present review aims to update the current status of mushrooms diversity in India with their nutritional and medicinal potential as well as ethnomedicinal uses for different future prospects in pharmaceutical application. Keywords: Mushroom diversity, nutritional value, therapeutic potential, bioactive compound African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol. 13(4), pp. 523-545, 22 January, 2014
Lepiotaceous fungi form relatively fragile basidiocarps with white, rarely coloured, spores. Most are saprotrophic forest-floor dwellers that grow in the lower litter layers of the soil, and probably decompose lignin and cellulose. They occur worldwide, with many representatives in tropical and temperate regions, and a few species in arctic-alpine areas and in deserts. Most taxa are agaricoid, though a relatively small number of secotioid variants exist. Because of their relative rarity, the clustering together of many species in limited habitats, and the differences in species composition along latitudinal transects, lepiotaceous fungi may be vulnerable to changes in the environment, both on a local (habitat destruction) and on a global scale (climate change). Sister taxa occur in different parts of the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, indicating that vicariance events might have played a role in speciation. A few species have a very extended distribution, and those species occur either in man-made habitats or else in cooler habitats. Many ecological features of the lepiotaceous fungi are unknown, including the survival rates and colonization success of spores, nutrient and temperature requirements, longevity and size of genets. Conservation of existing diversity calls for policies underpinned by new ecological research, more taxonomical studies, and more recording projects.