Macrofungal Diversity, Classification of Edible and Medicinal Uses, CEIPA, Napo
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Macrofungi are essential components of Amazonian ecosystems due to their involvement in ecological processes such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient recycling, as well as their food and medicinal applications. This study aimed to characterise macrofungal diversity and classify their edible and medicinal uses at the Amazonian Experimental Research and Production Centre (CEIPA), located in Napo Province, Ecuador. Species were catalogued within a permanent 0.25-ha plot, taking into account macroscopic characteristics, substrate, geographical location and environmental conditions. Taxonomic identification revealed 213 specimens belonging to 43 families, 71 genera and 88 species, with the phylum Basidiomycota predominating (91.5%) over Ascomycota (8.5%). The families Polyporaceae and Ganodermataceae were the most highly represented, with a notable presence of species belonging to wood-inhabiting and saprotrophic genera associated with decomposition processes in humid tropical forests. A review of specialised literature and databases identified 13 species with food potential and nine species of medicinal interest, associated with Amazonian communities and studies on bioactive compounds. The findings demonstrate the high fungal richness of the Amazonian ecosystem and highlight the importance of strengthening research aimed at conservation, sustainable use and the recognition of ethnomycological knowledge.
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