Ethnomycological Survey of Macrofungi Utilized by Gaddang Communities in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

Abstract

A questionnaire and interview approach was used to determine the indigenous beliefs and the species of macrofungi utilized by Gaddang communities in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. Ten species were utilized by the Gaddangs; however, only seven species of fungi were collected and identified based on their morphological characteristics. These were Auricularia auricula, Auricularia fuscosuccinea, Schizophyllum commune, Volvariella volvacea, Lentinus sp., Pleurotus sp., and Polyporus sp. The Gaddang communities also have indigenous beliefs regarding the growing and collection of macrofungi, such as the occurrence of spontaneous lightning induces mushroom growth and asking permission of spirits before collecting. Their medicinal practices were also documented in this study.