Ethnomycological study on wild mushrooms in Pu’er Prefecture, Southwest Yunnan, China

Abstract

Background Yunnan is rich in fungal diversity and cultural diversity, but there are few researches on ethnomycology. In addition, extensive utilization of wild edible fungi (WEF), especially the ectomycorrhizal fungi, threatens the fungal diversity. Hence, this study aims to contribute to the ethnomycological knowledge in Pu’er Prefecture, Yunnan, China, including information on the fungal taxa presented in markets and natural habitats, with emphasis in ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). Methods Semi-structured interviews with mushroom vendors in markets and with mushroom collectors in natural habitats were conducted. Information related to local names, habitat, fruiting time, species identification, price, cooking methods and preservation methods of wild edible mushrooms were recorded. Wild edible fungi were collected from forests, and morphological and molecular techniques were used to identify fungal species. Results A total of 11 markets were visited during this study. The 101 species collected in the markets belonged to 22 families and 39 genera, and about 76% of them were EMF. A wealth of ethnomycological knowledge was recorded, and we found that participants in the 45–65 age group were able to judge mushroom species more accurately. Additionally, men usually had a deepest mushroom knowledge than women. A total of 283 species, varieties and undescribed species were collected from natural habitats, and about 70% of them were EMF. Mushroom species and recorded amounts showed correspondence between markets and the natural habitats on different months. Conclusion The present study shows that Pu’er Prefecture is rich in local mycological knowledge and fungal diversity. However, it is necessary to continue the research of ethnomycological studies and to design and conduct dissemination of local knowledge in order to preserve it, since it currently remains mainly among the elderly population.

Wild edible mushroom usage by inhabitants with different educational level in the region of Varna

“…During an ethnomycological investigation on wild mushrooms in 11 markets in Pu'er Prefecture, Southwest Yunnan, China, 101 species belonging to 22 families and 39 genera were studied and about 76% of them were ectomycorrhizal fungi (19). Men had a deeper mushroom knowledge than women.…”

Traditional management of ancient Pu'er teagardens in Jingmai Mountains in Yunnan of China, a designated Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems site

“…It is situated between 22°02′N–24°50′N and 99°09′E-102°19′E, with the Tropic of Cancer passing through the middle of the city. Additionally, Pu'er shares borders with Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar [ 21 ]. Pu'er has a diverse range of altitudes, spanning from 317 to 3,370 m. The average annual temperature is 19.5 °C, and the yearly rainfall typically is between 1100 and 2780 mm and belongs to the subtropical mountain monsoon climate.…”

Macrofungi as Medicinal Resources in Uzbekistan: Biodiversity, Ethnomycology, and Ethnomedicinal Practices

“…Ethnomycology, an interdisciplinary field that explores the cultural and traditional uses of fungi, plays a pivotal role in documenting, presenting, and preserving the rich and diverse knowledge associated with the utilization of mushrooms and other fungal organisms in biology and ethnomedicine. Building upon this foundation, the ethnomycological study of the selected macrofungal species, including esteemed genera such as Fomes , Inonotus , Ganoderma , Phellinus , Trametes , and other macrofungal groups, has revealed their extensive utilization in health practices for millennia [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Notably, the opulent and valuable documentation of fungal species uses in folk medicine has particularly flourished in East Asia, encompassing China, Japan, and Korea [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Building upon this foundation, the ethnomycological study of the selected macrofungal species, including esteemed genera such as Fomes , Inonotus , Ganoderma , Phellinus , Trametes , and other macrofungal groups, has revealed their extensive utilization in health practices for millennia [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Notably, the opulent and valuable documentation of fungal species uses in folk medicine has particularly flourished in East Asia, encompassing China, Japan, and Korea [ 5 , 6 ].…”