Traditional knowledge and use of wild mushrooms in Simbhanjyang, Makwanpur District, Central Nepal

Abstract

Mushrooms are an important source of food among different ethnic communities in Nepal and are widely collected during rainy season. This paper includes documentation of wild mushrooms in the vicinities of Simbhanjyang, Makwanpur district, central Nepal. Semi-structured open ended questionnaire and Rapid Rural Appraisal were followed to get information about edibility of wild mushrooms from local harvesters. Forty-three species of mushrooms were documented. The collected species are saprophytic, parasitic, and mycorrhizal. Ethnic communities identify edible and other useful mushroom species based on traditional knowledge transferred from their ancestors orally which was in practice and tested through generations. Edible Boletus edulis, Russula virescens and medicinal Ganoderma tsugae are some potential non-timber forest products from the study area.