Abstract

Yunnan is one of the global biodiversity hotspots. Its huge diversity of topography, climate and vegetation nourishes rich wild edible mushroom diversity. Based on rough statistics, Yunnan has more than 600 species of wild edible mushrooms, of which more than 80% are mycorrhizal. Around 321 species of wild edible mushrooms are sold in the province, and 164 are commonly traded on local markets. Yunnan produces and exports more matsutake and truffles than any other Chinese province, generating large amount of foreign currency for local families. Yunnan has 24 ethnic minorities, and most of these people live in mountainous regions where wild edible mushrooms are an important livelihood. Production of the wild edible mushrooms has declined since large-scale commercial harvesting began in the 1990s. Although there have been a variety of efforts to manage mushroom resources, protection and restoration of wild edible mushrooms have made little progress.

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