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

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. Here we describe three new species of Hebeloma that are currently known only from Mexico. These species belong to separate sections of the genus: H.ambustiterranum is a member of H.sect.Hebeloma, H.cohaerens belongs to H.sect.Theobromina, while H.magnicystidiatum belongs to H.sect.Denudata. All three species were collected from subtropical pine-oak woodland; all records of H.cohaerens came from altitudes above 2500 m. Hebelomaambustiterranum is commonly sold in the local markets of Tlaxcala as a prized edible mushroom. An additional nine species are reported from Mexico, of which eight are new records for the country: H.aanenii, H.eburneum, H.excedens, H.ingratum, H.neurophyllum, H.sordidulum, H.subaustrale and H.velutipes. First modern descriptions of H.neurophyllum and H.subaustrale, originally described from the USA, are given here.

Folk classification of wild mushrooms from San Isidro Buensuceso, Tlaxcala, Central Mexico.

BACKGROUND: An ethnomycological study was conducted to describe the fungus concept and the traditional fungus classification system for the Nahuas of San Isidro Buensuceso, in central Mexico. The study which provides information on the co-existence of various forms of classification, based on both cultural and biological characteristics. METHODS: The research included conducting community interviews and forest forays in the company of mushroom pickers. The triad technique, pile sorting, and fresh mushroom sampling methods were used. Traditional names were analyzed to describe the Nahua classification system for fungi. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The triad technique with non-utilitarian stimuli allowed the fungi to be identified as an independent group of plants and animals. The Nahua people of San Isidro classify fungi primarily based on their use, where they grow, and by humoral characteristics. The analysis of the names revealed a classification based on the criteria proposed by Brent Berlin. This study identified the detailed knowledge of fungi in this Nahua community. The criteria used for the recognition of the species are very reliable, since they use organoleptic, ecological, phenological, and morphological characteristics.

The cultural significance of wild mushrooms in San Mateo Huexoyucan, Tlaxcala, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: We performed an ethnomycological study in a community in Tlaxcala, Central Mexico to identify the most important species of wild mushrooms growing in an oak forest, their significance criteria, and to validate the Cultural Significance Index (CSI). METHODS: Thirty-three mestizo individuals were randomly selected in San Mateo Huexoyucan and were asked seven questions based on criteria established by the CSI. Among the 49 mushroom species collected in the oak forest and open areas, 20 species were mentioned most often and were analyzed in more detail. Ordination and grouping techniques were used to determine the relationship between the cultural significance of the mushroom species, according to a perceived abundance index, frequency of use index, taste score appreciation index, multifunctional food index, knowledge transmission index, and health index. RESULTS: The mushrooms with highest CSI values were Agaricus campestris, Ramaria spp., Amanita aff. basii, Russula spp., Ustilago maydis, and Boletus variipes. These species were characterized by their good taste and were considered very nutritional. The species with the lowest cultural significance included Russula mexicana, Lycoperdon perlatum, and Strobylomyces strobilaceus. The ordination and grouping analyses identified four groups of mushrooms by their significance to the people of Huexoyucan. The most important variables that explained the grouping were the taste score appreciation index, health index, the knowledge transmission index, and the frequency of use index. CONCLUSIONS: A. aff. basii and A. campestris were the most significant wild mushrooms to the people of San Mateo. The diversity of the Russula species and the variety of Amanita and Ramaria species used by these people was outstanding. Environments outside the forest also produced useful resources. The CSI used in Oaxaca was useful for determining the cultural significance of mushrooms in SMH, Tlaxcala. This list of mushrooms can be used in conservation proposals for the Quercus forests in the area.

Russula herrerae, a new species with marginal veil from Mexico.

Russula herrerae, a new species belonging to section Plorantes, subsection Lactarioideae, characterized by the presence of a marginal veil and collected in a temperate Quercus forest in Tlaxcala, Mexico, is described and illustrated.