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Not (only) poison pies – Hebeloma (Agaricales, Hymenogastraceae) in Mexico

Summary

This research explored mushrooms in the genus Hebeloma from Mexico, discovering that while these fungi are considered poisonous in Europe, some species are actually valuable edible mushrooms in Mexican culture. The study found three new species and documented several others for the first time in Mexico. The most significant finding was Hebeloma ambustiterranum, a mushroom that local people deliberately encourage to grow by controlled burning of pine forests. Impacts on everyday life: – Identifies safe edible mushroom species that can be collected and sold in local markets – Documents traditional ecological knowledge about mushroom cultivation through controlled burning – Helps distinguish edible species from potentially poisonous look-alikes – Provides information about fungi that form beneficial relationships with important tree species – Contributes to understanding sustainable forest management practices

Background

The species of Hebeloma have been little studied in Mexico, but have received attention as edibles and in trials to enhance production of edible fungi and tree growth through inoculation of seedlings with ectomycorrhizal fungi. While Hebeloma species are generally considered poisonous in Europe, some species are prized edibles in Mexico, where traditional management practices like controlled burning are used to encourage their growth.

Objective

To describe three new species of Hebeloma from Mexico and document additional species records for the country. The study aimed to improve understanding of Hebeloma diversity in Mexico and provide a foundation for future research on edible and ectomycorrhizal species in the region.

Results

Three new species were described: Hebeloma ambustiterranum, H. cohaerens, and H. magnicystidiatum. Two previously described species, H. neurophyllum and H. subaustrale, were rediscovered and documented. An additional nine species were reported from Mexico, of which eight were new records for the country. H. ambustiterranum was found to be commonly sold in local markets as a prized edible mushroom.

Conclusion

The study significantly expanded the known diversity of Hebeloma in Mexico, documenting 11 species new to the country. H. ambustiterranum was identified as a culturally significant edible species managed through traditional burning practices. The findings provide an important foundation for understanding Hebeloma diversity in Mexico while highlighting the need for further research on edible and ectomycorrhizal species in the region.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.90.85267
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