Mushroom Diversity Prevailing in the World Peace Biodiversity Garden, Raniban, Pokhara, Nepal

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive survey of higher fungi, particularly mushrooms, in the World Peace Biodiversity Garden, Raniban, Kaski District, central Nepal. It was carried out during the monsoon seasons in 2022-2024. A total of 44 fungal species, comprising 2 Ascomycetes and 42 Basidiomycetes, were collected. The Ascomycetes were restricted to a single order with two families and two genera, while the Basidiomycetes embraced eight orders with 24 families and 30 genera. Agaricales dominated with 17 species, followed by Polyporales and Russulales (6 species each). The identification was done following relevant literature, and the nomenclature is based on Index Fungorum. The most diverse families were Polyporaceae and Russulaceae, each with 6 species, while other families were represented by 1 to 3 species. Soil was found to be the predominant substrate for 23 species. During discussions with the local collectors and after visual observations, it was found that out of 16 edible species, seven species are locally collected for culinary purposes and Amanitalike species are avoided by locals as they are considered poisonous. Further exploration, ethnomycological surveys, and ecological studies are necessary to investigate the fungal diversity of this area.