Mushrooms of Sikkim

Ever since the start of our wonderful journey into the mycoverse, we have been stunned by the amazing diversity of mushrooms in Sikkim. Our efforts towards identifying and recording mushrooms in our state has taken us to stunning places throughout and we consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to witness stunning mushrooms throughout. 

As we continue to share our journey with everyone, we will slowly start to look at some amazing mushrooms that we have encountered on our numerous forays. Our observations of the forest floor have also revealed to us more aspects of the amazing world that we live in thus bringing forth a renewed appreciation for the wealth of biodiversity in our state. With that in mind, let us continue this journey as we look at some amazing mushrooms we have managed to interact with.

1) Gaestrum triplex 

Common name: Collared Earth Star 

Local Name (Bhutia): Cheracher Shyamo

Edibility: Inedible 

Description: The collared earthstar is a larger species in the family of mushrooms commonly known as earthstars. They belong to the group of fungi known as 'stomach fungi' aka Gasteromycetes. They are very distinct looking mushrooms and quite beautiful to look at. The younger fruiting bodies are white and solid on the inside and as they mature, the insides become powdery and dark. When it is old enough, this mushroom will pop a tiny apical hole and release spores. Applying even light pressure like that of a raindrop and these mushrooms puffs out spores. Collared earthstars are closely related to puffball mushrooms and finding them is fun as you can pop them and let the spores spread. This mushroom is inedible but it has been used as medicine across Asia, the Americas and even some places in Africa. It grows around hardwood trees and in leaf litter both alone and in groups. 

2) Fistulina hepatica 

Common name: Beefsteak fungus 

Local Name (Nepali): Jibre chyau, Rakte chyau

Edibility: Edible

Description: This edible bracket fungus is prized among foragers. It is called beefsteak because of the steak-like appearance and texture. It can be eaten raw too but is known to have a slightly acidic taste which may not suit all pallettes, it needs to be cooked for a fairly long time. It has tube-like pores on the underside hence the name fistulina for these mushrooms. It is also a distant relative of the chicken of the woods mushroom. It's a very easily recognisable mushroom but doesn't really taste like beef however it's been known to be used as a substitute for meat in the past in some parts of the world.

3) Grifola frondosa

Common name: Hen of the woods, Maitake

Local name (Nepali): Thakrey chew, Nangrey chyau

Edibility: Edible 

Description: This polyporous mushroom doesn't have gills but pores instead. That being said, it is one of the more delicate polyporous mushrooms. It is a delicious edible mushroom and also very distinctive if you are out foraging for this. This mushroom grows in abundance on the base of large oak trees and can mostly only be foraged from one location once a year however it is also cultivated throughout the world and is very popular in Japan. It can be found from late spring to fall. It is one of the most sought after edible mushrooms by foragers as it is not only abundant but also grows in a big cluster which makes picking enough for a meal an easier task. It has a sweet smell when it is young and the smell turns worse and worse as it ages and decays.

PS: We don't encourage anyone to consume any mushrooms without proper verification, we are learners ourselves and consider ourselves beginners when it comes to mushroom identification. NEVER EVER EAT A WILD MUSHROOM WITHOUT EXPERTS VERIFYING THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE MUSHROOM. EDIBLE MUSHROOMS HAVE LOOKALIKES WHICH CAN BE DEADLY TOXIC IF CONSUMED. We don't forage to consume, just here to learn more about nature.