Wild Edible Mushroom Lore in A Suburban Mestizo Community

Abstract

Objective: To record the mycological lore related to wild edible mushrooms (WEM) in Santa Ana Jilotzingo, a mestizo rural community greatly influenced by the urban area of Mexico City. Design/Methodology/Approach: Unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted over the course of three years. Results: Sixty-six WEM species were recorded. Ninety-one traditional names were documented: 65 Spanish names, 3 Nahuatl names, 4 mixed names, and 19 indeterminate names. Local gatherers have a precise knowledge of the biology, ecology, and distribution of the used species; the knowledge preserved by older people is more diverse and accurate. Nowadays, gathering WEM in the rainy season has lost its relevance as an economic activity. However, WEM foraging as a livelihood food supplement remains important for the community. Study Limitations/Implications: The 2020 pandemic hindered the field work. Findings/Conclusions: In the study area, relevant mycological lore still survives despite complex adverse conditions, such as acculturation, migration, and deforestation.