Resources and Functional Components of Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms in Ningxia Province

Abstract

The species composition and resource status of wild edible and medicinal fungi in Ningxia Province were meticulously analyzed and systematically organized using available published data on higher fungi. This comprehensive investigation delved into the effectiveness of the dominant edible and medicinal mushrooms. The findings unequivocally demonstrated the abundant presence of wild edible and medicinal mushroom resources in Ningxia Province, encompassing a total of 204 species, spanning edible fungi, medicinal fungi, and edible and medicinal mushrooms. These belong to 10 genera, 8 families, and 3 orders, originating from 2 phyla. Among the 204 species, a substantial 176 are categorized as edible mushrooms, constituting an impressive 86.27% of the total species, while 28 species are recognized as medicinal fungi, contributing 13.73% of the overall species. Additionally, 36 species encompass the unique category of edible and medicinal fungi, accounting for 17.65% of the total species. Notably, 90 species are identified within Agaricus, Cortinarius, Tricholoma, Lactarius, Clitocybe, Coprinus, Gestrum, Suillus, Russula, Ramaria, Melanoluca, and Agrocybe, collectively representing 43.9% of the total species. The species within these dominant genera play a pivotal role in the realm of edible and medicinal mushrooms in Ningxia Province. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the functional components of these dominant genera unveiled the considerable potential for the utilization of wild edible and medicinal fungi distributed in Ningxia Province. These findings not only offer fundamental insights but also establish a robust foundation for the establishment of a comprehensive resource database of edible and medicinal fungi in Ningxia Province. Moreover, they serve as a crucial resource for researchers in their exploration of locally distinctive edible and medicinal mushrooms.