Macrofungal Assemblage in Itanagar Capital Complex of Arunachal Pradesh, India and Ethnomycological usage Pattern in Nyishi Tribe

Karma Tashi Sherpa; Karuna Shrivastava

doi:10.36808/if/2025/v151i11/170373

Macrofungal Assemblage in Itanagar Capital Complex of Arunachal Pradesh, India and Ethnomycological usage Pattern in Nyishi Tribe

Authors

Karma Tashi Sherpa Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuili – 791109, Arunachal Pradesh
Karuna Shrivastava Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuili – 791109, Arunachal Pradesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2025/v151i11/170373

Keywords:

Wild edible mushrooms, Diversity, Ethnomycology, Utilization, Local community.

Abstract

Macrofungi or mushrooms are central component of forest ecosystem that influence other life forms. Plant diversity rich areas are most favoured zones for macrofungi. Arunachal Pradesh, India, situated between the Eastern Himalaya and Indo-Burmese world's biodiversity hotspots, is also an important sub-centre for origin of wide variety of mushrooms. This paper deals with the mushroom diversity of Itanagar capital complex region of Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 641 fruiting bodies were collected and identified to 60 species, 45 genera, 24 families and 9 orders. The members of order Polyporales (43.3%) and Agaricales (46.5%) shared largest in total species diversity and family Polyporaceae (31.7%) was the most dominant. Pycnoporus cinnabarinus (135%) was most dominant species with highest Importance Value Index (8.67). Microporus xanthopus exhibited highest frequency (50%) and Trametes versicolor was most abundant species (59).

The ethnic acquaintance and beliefs of Nyishi tribe was also documented. Ethnomycological information collected through questionnaire and personal interviews indicated use of 16 wild edible mushrooms commonly called here as 'Tayin' (also named as Ikhnuro, Indhi, Lolam Tayin, Pukhaso, Rubhj Tayin, Inya, Huhiun etc.) as food. The species used in medicine locally named as 'Heimey Yoru' are used for blood pressure control. The current data has revealed rich diversity and ethnic importance of wild mushrooms of Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. This may help to promote future research on mushrooms and to make people aware of their importance in the region.

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