Species Richness, Morphological Features and Inventory of Wild Macrofungi found in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The macrofungi diversity in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria has been inadequately sampled and never documented; this situation makes the status of macrofungi in the State unclear. It is from this reason that this study was necessitated. A total of 60 species of wild macrofungi belonging to 25 families we documented during the period of this study (April to July 2021). Agaricaceae family recorded the highest number of species (12), followed by Polyporaceae (10), Psathyrellaceae (5), Marasmiaceae (4), Amanitaceae (3), Gomphaceae, Lycophyllaceae, Physalacriaceae, Hymenochaetaceae, Gamodermataceae and Strophariaceae recorded 2 species each. Pluteaceae, Stereaceae, Bondarzewiaceae, Schizophyllaceae, Entolomaceae, Cortinariaceae, Pleurotaceae, Dacrymycetaceae, Auriculariaceae, Tricholomataceae, Hygrophoraceae, Hydnangiaceae, Tubiferaceae and Lycoperdaceae recorded 1 species respectively. Out of the 60 macrofungi recorded, 36 species (60.00%) were non-edible, 13 species (21.67 %) were edible, 2 (3.33%) were choice edible and 2 (3.33%) edible but not recommended respectively. 1 species (1.67%) each were poisonous, psychoactive, edible while young, not recommended, non-poisonous but leathery, edible but shows allergic reactions in some individuals and unknown edibility status. Analysis on the growth substrate of the macrofungi species found revealed that; 32 species (53.33%) grew on dead wood, 25 species (41.67%) on soil, 2 species (3.33%) on living tree trunk and 1 species (1.67%) on decaying organic matter. The list and inventory provided by this study will give baseline information that will be needed in the assessment of changes that may occur in wild macrofungi diversity in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The rich diversity of wild occurring macrofungi in Akwa Ibom State offers huge economic life for the local inhabitants in terms of nutriton, health and medicine as well as ecosystem stability at large. Inclusion of macrofungi biodiversity conservation in Akwa Ibom State and Nigerian forest management policies will be an appropriate step towards conservation of these wild macrofungi. Keywords: Agaricaceae – macrofungi – Marasmiaceae – mushroom – Polyporaceae – Psathyrellaceae