A survey of macrofungi in Edo/Delta region of Nigeria, their morphology and uses

Abstract

A survey of macrofungi and their ethnomycology was carried out in Edo and Delta states (latitudes 4.87° to 7.12° E and longitudes 5° to 7.6° N) of Nigeria. The survey covers six selected local government areas (Burutu, Etsako East and West, Ovia South-West and Ukhumwonde) scattered across different vegetation zones in the region. Fifty three (53) species of macrofungi were encountered at the end of the survey, 26 species comprising of 23 basidiomycetes and 3 ascomycetes were fully enumerated. Auricularia auricula, Pleurotus spp, Schizophyllum commune and Volvariella volvaceae are eaten by 77% of the sampled communities. Analyses of their nutrient contents recorded over 55% per gram fibre, 11.77% per gram protein, between 7.16 and 12.63% per gram carbohydrate. Amanita phalloides, Daldinia concentrica, Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma resinaceus and Nothopanus sp are more frequently employed in the treatment of varying degrees of anemic, blood pressure, gastro-intestinal, homoeostatic, oral and rheumatic ailments. Lowland forest regions recorded greater species diversity and richness than other regions studied. Mushroom hunters, 45% women and 26% youths (ages 18-28), hunt for the in the wild to supply the mushroom needs of the inhabitants of the Edo/Delta region. The hunters are mostly guided by divergent and unwritten mushroom hunting codes while picking in the wild.

Keywords: survey, macrofungi, edible, ethnomycology, Edo/Delta region

Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 12(2) 2006: 149-157