A first checklist of macrofungi for South Africa.

Tonjock Rosemary Kinge,George Gatere Ndiritu,Marieka Gryzenhout,Gary Goldman,Adriaana Jacobs

doi:10.3897/mycokeys.63.36566

Abstract

Macrofungi are considered as organisms that form large fruiting bodies above or below the ground that are visible without the aid of a microscope. These fungi include most basidiomycetes and a small number of ascomycetes. Macrofungi have different ecological roles and uses, where some are edible, medicinal, poisonous, decomposers, saprotrophs, predators and pathogens, and they are often used for innovative biotechnological, medicinal and ecological applications. However, comprehensive checklists, and compilations on the diversity and distribution of mushrooms are lacking for South Africa, which makes regulation, conservation and inclusion in national biodiversity initiatives difficult. In this review, we compiled a checklist of macrofungi for the first time (excluding lichens). Data were compiled based on available literature in journals, books and fungorium records from the National Collection of Fungi. Even if the list is not complete due to numerous unreported species present in South Africa, it still represents an overview of the current knowledge of the macromycetes of South Africa. The list of names enables the assessment of gaps in collections and knowledge on the fungal biodiversity of South Africa, and downstream applications such as defining residency status of species. It provides a foundation for new names to be added in future towards developing a list that will be as complete as possible, and that can be used by a wide audience including scientists, authorities and the public.

Highlights

Macrofungi are fungi that form large fructifications visible without the aid of the microscope and include representatives from the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota (Roda 2010; Servi et al 2010)
The macrofungal checklist compiled in this review (Table 1) presents the first national list for macrofungi and slime molds in South Africa
The checklist presented in this publication is the first for South African macrofungi and is as comprehensive as can be of currently collected and published macrofungi

Summary

Introduction

Macrofungi are fungi that form large fructifications visible without the aid of the microscope and include representatives from the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota (Roda 2010; Servi et al 2010). Many macrofungi are edible and rich sources of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals for humans (Ananbeh 2003; Gençcelep et al 2009) They can be naturally harvested or cultivated commercially. Polysaccharides or polysaccharide-protein complexes present in fungi have gained the attention of researchers because it is believed that they can inhibit tumor growth and boost the immune system of the organism. They can enhance host defensive potential or represent biological response modifiers (Leung et al 2006; Mordali et al 2007). Regulation of fungal bio-exploration and research in South Africa is hampered by the absence of biodiversity knowledge

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Conclusion