Systematic appraisal of macrofungi (Basidiomycotina: Ascomycotina) biodiversity of Southern Africa: Uses, distribution, checklists

Abstract

Systematic review was conducted to determine the state of mushroom related indigenous knowledge in Southern Africa. Fifty-six edible species of mushrooms were recorded out of 266 macrofungi species in the region. Of this number of species, South Africa accounted for 221 species (not exclusive count), Zimbabwe (21), Mozambique (18), Namibia (14), Botswana (10), Zambia (7), and Mauritius (1). The most abundant genera based on the number of species were Agaricus, Lepiota, Cantherellus, Peziza, Termitomyces, Calvatia, Lycoperdon, Amanitia, Coprinus and Coprinellus. The most popular species used for food only (by ≥3 tribes/localities) included Amanita masasiensis, Amanita zambiana, Cantharellus cf. floridula, Cantherellus heimannianu), Cantharellus isabellinus, Cantherellus miomboensis, Cantharellus symoensii, Lactiflius edulis. Seven dual purpose or medicinal mushroom species: Agaricus bisporus, Hericium erinaceus, Kalaharituber pfeilii, Pleurotus ostreatus, Schizophyllum commune, Termitomyces schimperi and Volvariella volvocea were recorded. Only G. lucidum was used solely for medicinal purposes. Popular mushroom species (based on ≥3 countries) included Kalaharituber pfeilii, Pleurotus ostreatus, Schizophyllum commune and Terfezia pfeilii. Much work still needs to be done on these mushrooms.

Keywords

• Bioactive agents
• Conservation
• Diversity
• Edible mushrooms
• Miombo woodlands
• Nutraceuticals