Exploitation and diversity of edible macrofungi resources in Mount Harriet National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Abstract

Mushrooms have an essential part in ecological dynamics as well as human health. The present investigation on the assessment of macrofungal diversity was carried out in one of the reserve National Park of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet National Park. The ecological characterization of mushroom taxa surveyed and revealed 17 families. At least 22 species belong to the genera Polyporus, Trametes, Ganoderma, Clitocybe, Daedaleopsis, Steccherinum, Auricularia, Coltricia, Panus, Calvatia, Xeromphalina, Cookenia, Geastrum, Amanita, Calocera, Ischnoderma, Neonectaria, Stereum, Agaricus and Schizophyllum. Out of these, 08 species were reported to be edible, while the rest were inedible.  Furthermore, this study is one of the first to examine macrofungal diversity in Mount Harriet National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It aids in a better understanding of the mushroom types found in this biologically diverse National Park.