Wild Edible Fungi : A Global Overview of Their Use and Importance to People

Contents: Foreword. Abbreviations. Acknowledgements. Summary. 1. Introduction: Setting the scene. 2. Characteristics: Biology, ecology, uses, cultivation. 3. Management: Wild Edible Fungi, trees, forest users. 4. Importance to people: Food, income, trade. 5. Realizing the potential: Prospects, actions, opportunities. 6. Sources of advice and information. 7. References. Annexes: 1. Summary of the importance of Wild Edible Fungi by region and country. 2. Country records of Wild Useful Fungi (Edible, medicinal and other uses). 3. A global list of wild fungi used as food, said to be edible or with medicinal properties. 4. Edible and medicinal fungi that can be cultivated. 5. Wild Edible Fungi sold in local markets.

"Wild edible fungi are an important group of non-wood forest products. They are used as both food and medicine and provide income to many forest users and traders. This publication reviews the characteristics of fungi biology and ecology, as well as fungi management and other importance to people. Information is provided that will help forestry technicians, nutritionists, natural resource planners, policy-makers and other stakeholders concerned appraise the opportunities and constraints in promoting the sustainable use of wild edible fungi."