Rare Wild Mushroom Discovered in Arunachal’s Longhua Village

Our correspondent

Itanagar: A large wild mushroom, tentatively identified as Infundibulicybe gibba (formerly Clitocybe gibba), a well-known edible species, was discovered on Wednesday, in the moist, shaded bamboo structures of Longhua village in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The mushroom was identified based on its distinct morphological characteristics by Dr Deep Narayan Mishra, subject matter specialist (plant pathology) from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Longding.

According to Dr Mishra, the specimen exhibited typical features such as a pale, funnel-shaped cap, decurrent gills, a central stipe, and growth on decomposing organic matter. These traits align with those commonly observed in Infundibulicybe species, which are generally found in temperate and subtropical forested regions and are known for their edibility and nutritional benefits, he said.

In several tribal and rural communities, such mushrooms are traditionally consumed for their protein, fiber, and mineral content.

However, Dr Mishra cautioned that the current identification is only tentative and should not be considered conclusive without laboratory confirmation.

He stressed the importance of scientific validation through methods such as internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequencing, spore print analysis to assess color and pattern, and microscopic examination of spores and hyphal structures.

These tests are essential not only for accurate taxonomic placement but also to differentiate the mushroom from closely related or potentially toxic species.

He also advised that any wild mushrooms intended for consumption must be properly identified, thoroughly cleaned, and cooked, either by boiling or frying, to eliminate any harmful compounds that may be present.

Also Read: Earthquake, fire preparedness drill held in Arunachal

Also Watch: