The Himalayan forests of Uttarakhand represent a natural repository for the rich biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent. Forest resources in this region form an integral part of socio-economy and cultural practices. Mushrooms are forest products which have been used as food for a long time but very few for therapeutic purposes, which is associated to the lack of awareness and knowledge. If properly identified, these mystic organisms can be very promising in prevention and cure of various ailments. The present study is a part of macrofungal exploration carried out from 2015-2016. As a result, 15 mushroom species are identified which possess a spectrum of bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential. All of these species are morphologically described along with the habit, habitat and notes on their healing capacities.

Macrofungi belong to genus Amanita was collected during a fungal foray in temperate to subalpine forests in Uttarakhand Himalaya in monsoon period of 2014−2016. Through critical macro-and microscopical examination of these samples, six species were identified as new records to India. Amanita caesaroides (sect. Caesareae), Amanita griseofolia (sect. Vaginatae), Amanita orientifulva (sect. Vaginatae), Amanita pallidorosea (sect. Phalloideae), Amanita parvipantherina (sect. Amanita) and Amanita princeps (sect. Caesareae) are described here with detailed descriptions and illustrations. All these species were found in mycorrhizal association with different host trees, conifers as well as angiosperms. Apart from this, Amanita princeps is found as an edible species in various countries, in addition to this species, Amanita caesaroides was also reported to be consumed in temperate to subalpine regions of Uttarakhand Himalaya during this study.