215 mushroom species documented in Aralam and Kottiyoor wildlife sanctuaries

A survey conducted jointly by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife department’s Aralam Wildlife Division and the Mushrooms of India Community has documented 215 species of mushrooms in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary and Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the rich fungal diversity of the Western Ghats.

Entomopathogenic fungi

Among the notable discoveries were coral fungi with branched structures resembling coral reefs, besides a wide range of Boletes and Polypores. The survey also recorded numerous entomopathogenic fungi -- species that infect insects and other arthropods, including butterflies, spiders, ants and lepidopteran larvae. These fungi are of considerable scientific interest because of their role in naturally regulating insect population and their potential use in biological pest control.

Researchers also identified medicinally important mushrooms belonging to the Ganoderma and Trametes genera. In addition, around 25 edible mushroom species with high nutritional value were documented, including Termitomyces, Oudemansiella, Phelebopus and Auricularia, all of which area consumed as food.

The survey’s biggest attraction was the discovery of bioluminescent mushrooms belonging to the Phyllobolites group, which emit a faint glow in the dark.

The team also recorded several highly poisonous mushroom species belonging to the Clarkeinda, Chlorophyllum, Galerina and Inocybe genera, underscoring the need for caution while foraging for wild mushrooms.