Ethnomycological Survey of Wild Mushroom Species Utilized by the Subanen Tribes in Selected Barangays in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Abstract

Since prehistoric times, ethnic cultures have used wild mushrooms as food and medicine. Despite the extensive use of these important resources in ethnomycology, little is known about them, and the documentation that does exist is insufficient. The goal of the current study was to record the traditional knowledge of the Subanen populations regarding the use of different types of wild mushrooms. Field walks to collect the indicated mushroom species were undertaken after an actual interview utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire. To support diverse therapeutic claims, the local name, specific usage, method of preparation, and range of uses for wild mushrooms are described. In the ten barangays of Matugnaw, Uwayan, Sicot, Paiton, Taguite, Katagan, Kimat, Baluc, Salimpuno, and Caniangan, the study discovered various naturally occurring mushrooms. Leaf litter, soil, and rotting logs were used to identify the ten different mushroom species. Termitomyces cartilaginous, Auricularia auricularia-judae, Volvariella volvacea, Schizophyllum commune, Auricularia polytricha, Ganoderma applanatum, Trametes polyzona, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Trametes elegans and Lenzites betulinus were the species of wild mushrooms that the Subanen tribe used for food and medicine, respectively. These precious mushrooms were used by some ethnic tribes in the Philippines and other nations as well, and their broad use may support their therapeutic claims.