Macrofungi, also known as large fungi, are a diverse group of fungi that are visible to the naked eye. They play essential roles in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. Macrofungi are distinguished by their fruiting bodies, which include mushrooms, puffballs, and brackets. These structures contain reproductive spores and are frequently the most recognizable parts of the mushroom. They can be found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Some macrofungi have culinary and medicinal value, while others can be toxic. Understanding and appreciating macrofungi is vital for maintaining ecological balance and preserving biodiversity.

The macrofungi specimens, primarily obtained in Arroceros Forest Park and La mesa Ecopark, were species under the orders Agaricales, Auriculariales, Hymenochaetales, Phallales, Polyporales, Telephorales, and Tremellales. The other collection sites include the PUP Mabini Campus and Southern Luzon cities and provinces.

Auricularia angiospermarum Wu et al., 2015

Due to its sapotrophic nature, a tree with this species growing on it will likely not survive for much longer, as it feeds on nonliving organic matter; it was initially employed in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of hemorrhoids, dried mucus, and bleeding[13D]; it is widespread in North America, but is now currently known in Asia; this species was found residing in hardwood substrate [13W].

Photographer: Patrick Miles B. Moros
Photo taken on June 23, 2023 at Arroceros Forest Park, Manila

Photographer: Karen M. Ignacio

Photo taken on June 30, 2023 at U.P Diliman, Quezon City;

Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél., 1886

This is a saprotrophic fungus that holds ecological importance as a decomposer in forest ecosystems; it plays a crucial role in breaking down and recycling dead plant material, particularly rotted wood; this can be found throughout the year under suitable conditions; it also helps other organisms to grow by influencing the soil fertility; it is widely distributed across regions in Asia, Europe, North America, and other temperate and subtropical areas; it is commonly found thriving on dead wood substrates [7B].

Auricularia cornea Ehrenb, 1820

This saprotrophic fungus holds ecological significance in forest ecosystems, aiding deadwood decomposition and nutrient cycling[4K]; it usually grows during the rainy season and can be found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions; it also helps other organisms to grow by influencing the soil fertility; this fungal species is commonly found attached to a healthy tree, indicating its preference for such substrates as its habitat[4T].

Photographer: Ma. Hannah Nicole G. Andaya
Photo taken on June 23, 2023 at Arroceros Forest Park, Manila

Photographer: Marielle M. Servigon
Photo taken on June 29, 2023 at Brgy. San Jose Sitio KaySakat, Antipolo, Rizal

Auricularia delicata f. alba (Mont.) Henn., 1893

It plays a crucial ecological role as a decomposer in forest ecosystems, aiding in the breakdown of organic matter, such as dead wood and leaf litter, and facilitating the recycling of nutrients back into the ecosystem; this mushroom has potential applications within the medicine and culinary fields, as various species of Auricularia have been utilized for their medicinal and nutritional properties; this mushroom was found growing in dead wood substrates[8C].

Coprinellus disseminatus (Pers.) J.E. Lange, 1939

An edible kind of mushroom that is known as the fairy incap or trooping crumble cap of the agaric fungus; this species’ methanol extracts have antioxidant properties while its aqueous extracts have antibacterial qualities[4A]; studies also revealed that it is evident to inhibit breast cancer cells; it is native to Western Australia and was found thriving in rotting wood or beside stumps[4W].

Photographer: Ma. Hannah Nicole G. Andaya
Photo taken on June 23, 2023 at Arroceros Forest Park, Manila

Coprinus comatus (O.F. Muller) Persoon, 1780

Commonly known as the shaggy mane and lawyer’s wig that blooms occasionally in summer seasons; proteins were identified in these mushroom species, known to contain essential nutrients such as flavonoids and minerals, which boast anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties; it is widespread in Europe, Asia and North America and is common in suitable environments which include man-made habitats such as lawns, along gravel roads and waste areas; it is found growing in a moist soil with manure[5B].

Delicatula integrella (Pers.) Fayod, 1889

It is a flower-like and saprotrophic mushroom that consumes and absorbs nutrients from broadleaf trees’ decaying wood; the amyloid spores of this mushroom enforce dormancy by limiting the entry of oxygen, ensuring the spore's survival until optimal germination conditions are met; it can be usually found in well-rotted wood or dead leaf-filled soil[7L].

Photographer: Jomar S. Isidoro
Photo taken on June 8, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Photographer: Karen M. Ignacio
Photo taken on June 30, 2023 at U.P Diliman, Quezon City

Ductifera pululahuana (Pat.) Donk, 1958

It is also known as white jelly fungus; this species grows in a dense collection of white, jelly-like globules or clusters that resembles a brain; a saprobic fungus that consumes decaying trees, digests and breaks them down, and then decomposes them, thereby cleansing the forest and returning nutrients to the soil[8M]; it is fairly distributed at least in the eastern and southern regions of North America, and its range extends far into South America; it can be found thriving on fallen logs whose bark has come off completely[5K].

Ganoderma sp. Karsten, 1881

This species is globally distributed genus of wood decay fungi with diverse species that cause white rot on various trees; it is use as Eastern traditional medicine for their preventive anti-inflammatory properties and immune-boosting effects[2W]; these species are globally distributed, with a strong presence in tropical and temperate regions of Africa, America, Europe, and Asia; it thrives in soil and wood substrates[12L].

Photographer: Adeline B. Salvo
Photo taken on June 23, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Photographer: Jherson B. Javier
Photos taken on June 30, 2023 at U.P Diliman, Quezon City;

Ganoderma tropicum Jungh, 1910

This species plays a significant ecological role as an efficient decomposer of woody lignin polymers, contributing to nutrient cycles in its surrounding environment; has a long history of medicinal use in tropical areas of China; it has been recognized for its therapeutic properties and is documented in the Chinese Pharmacopeia; traditionally, it has been administered to treat coronary heart disease, protect the liver, and improve sleep; known to have a wide distribution in lowland tropical regions of Asia and thrives in a soil substrate[10&11H].

Ganoderma tsugae Murill, 1902

This species decays fungi of many plant families as a result it helps in providing nutrients in the nutrient cycle of the ecosystem; Chinese Government considers G. tsugae as a health food; however, supplemental investigation is needed to test its efficacy on inhibiting cancer; this mushroom commonly grows in North America and some of it was introduced in Asia, and its growing season is from May through November; this species thrives in wood substrates, fallen branches, and logs[9G].

Photographer: Hannah Vhien C. Patiño
Photo taken on June 30, 2023 at San Luis, Batangas

Photographer: Ma. Hannah Nicole G. Andaya
Photo taken on June 23, 2023 at Arroceros Forest Park, Manila

Hydnellum aurantiacum Pilat, 1903

This species has a mycorrhizae symbiotic association with conifers or with hardwoods; it also grow alone or in colonies during summer and fall; it is widely distributed in North America and this mushroom thrives in wood substrate[10K].

Laccaria laccata Scop., 1772

It is sometimes referred to as "the deceiver" by mushroom hunters because, despite being relatively common, it has a highly variable appearance and may be difficult to distinguish from other Laccaria species; this is one of the numerous species of fungi that nourish forest trees via a symbiotic relationship with tree roots; it is native and abundant in all kinds of woodland in Britain and Ireland and can be seen growing in small clusters on poor or sandy soil[1O].

Photographer: Serge John Wayne F. Quirap
Photo taken on July 5, 2023 at PUP - Sta. Mesa, Mabini Campus

Photographer: Jomar John S. Isidoro
Photo taken on July 8, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Lentinus sajor-caju Fries, 1838

This species has a fleshy collar at the base that disappears with age; the cap's margins roll under when it becomes old and dry[14S]; this mushroom contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, proteins, and secondary metabolites, which have demonstrated various biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects; it is a widespread macrofungi found in palaeotropical forests; its distribution spans from equatorial and Southern Africa (less common in West Africa) to Southeast Asia and the northeastern region of Australia; this mushroom grows best in a wood substrate[2J].

Leucoagaricus americanus (Peck.) Charles H., 1869

Despite being considered edible, caution is advised against consuming this species due to its potential to cause stomach disorders in some individuals and mild toxicity when eaten raw [1N]; there were no current study reported for its medicinal use but chemical reactions were used for sorting this species of mushroom from the various gilled mushrooms; it commonly appears in the fall and summer on woodchips[8K].

Photographer: Jomar S. Isidoro
Photo taken on July 8, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Photographer: Shane Kamylle C. Cos
Photo taken on June 8, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Macrocybe gigantea (Massee) Pegler & Lodge, 1939

This sapotrophic mushroom demonstrates a notable capacity to endure a diverse range of temperatures, as it has been observed in regions characterized by maximum temperatures from 39 - 50 °C; it exhibits widespread growth pattern during the summer season and is typically found in areas characterized by shade or an abundance of grass; it was found on the fallen logs, wood chips, and forest debris during observation[1R].

Phallus indusiatus Ventenat, 1798

It is called bridal veil fungus or veiled lady, is an edible mushroom belonging to the Basidiomycetes phylum; it possesses a graceful appearance and is often referred to as the queen of mushrooms; this saprophytic fungus thrives in decayed wood or nutrient-rich soil in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas; it thrives in soil and wood substrates, trunks, and dead leaves[1H].

Photographer: Marielle M. Servigon
Photo taken on June 29, 2023 at Brgy. San Jose Sitio KaySakat, Antipolo, Rizal

Photographer: Serge John Wayne F. Quirap
Photo taken on July 5, 2023 at PUP - Sta. Mesa Mabini Campus

Phellinus tuberculosis Baumg., 1790

A saprotrophic fungi which plays a fundamental and often underappreciated role in the intricate process of ecological recycling; this mushroom thrives by breaking down and consuming decaying organic matter, particularly woody plant material[12S]; has the ability to transform the tough woody tissue into simpler compounds and releases nutrients back into the soil; this species has a wide distribution in Yunnan, a province of China; it is mostly found on dead wood substrates[4H].

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm., 1871

It is a rare carnivorous mushroom with the ability to kill and digest nematodes, providing nitrogen for its mycelia [7M]; they have also been used for mycoremediation to treat soil contaminated with diesel oil and contribute to the degradation of green polyethylene, showcasing their potential in environmental applications; it typically grows on wood chips, sawdust, and agricultural waste, using decaying organic matter as its substrate [3R].

Photographer: Ma. Hannah Nicole G. Andaya
Photo taken on June 23, 2023 at Arroceros Forest Park, Manila

Photographer: Adeline B. Salvo
Photo taken on June 8, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Pluteus cervinus (Schaeff.) p. Kumm, 1871

It is a species of mushroom that is considered edible, but does not enjoy widespread popularity among most mushroom enthusiasts; it fulfills a highly advantageous function within forest ecosystems by actively decomposing deceased wood and facilitating its integration back into the soil system; it stands out as the most prevalent among shield fungi in many regions of Britain and Ireland, in contrast to other shield fungi that are less frequently found and relatively uncommon; it was found on woody debris of broad-leaf trees and damp sawdust heaps during observation[15&16P].

Photographer: Adeline B. Salvo

Photo taken on June 23, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Podoscypha petalodes Boidin, 1959

It is commonly known as the wine glass fungus due to its rosette-shaped fruiting body, possesses notable antioxidant potential attributed to its flavonoid and phenolic content[11L]; this mushroom contains podoscyphic acid that can be extracted from the mycelia of this mushroom and this compound was recognized as an antiviral agent which has high efficacy against leukemia and exhibits inhibitory effects on the Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase[1T]; it is known to have a widespread distribution, particularly in tropical regions and typically grows on a soil substrate[6H].

Psathyrella longipes (Peck) H. Smith, 1941

Its large, conic, and hygrophanous cap with striate margin makes it distinct from other species of Psathyrella; due to limited research on this mushroom species compared to other fungal counterparts, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding its ecological significance, diversity, and various properties, including potential medical applications; it typically grows at a variety of substrates but was seen growing on a compost during observation[1U].

Photographer: Jewel A. Castalone
Photo taken on June 27, 2023 at Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal

Photographer: Jomar S. Isidoro

Photo taken on July 8, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Ramariopsis kunzei (Fr.) Corner, 1950

This species of fungi is a coral living in tropical forests rather than the sea; they are natural decomposers that secretes enzymes to break down the nitrogen-rich compounds present in dead organic materials[3B]; it also forms a symbiotic association with plants in which they trade for sugars and nutrients[6K]; an infrequent find in Britain and Ireland, but it is also found in most temperate parts of mainland Europe, Asia, and North America; it thrives in a variety of substrates such as leaf litters, rotting logs, and tree stumps[9B].

Photographer: John Cristopher B. Padayao

Photo taken on June 30, 2023 at U.P Diliman, Quezon City

Schizophyllum commune Fries, 1821

It is commonly known as the spit-gill mushroom which were proven to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties and was also shown to boost the immune system; it can be seen throughout the year as they can survive multiple dehydration and rehydration cycles[10G]; this mushroom species is considered one of the most widely distributed and common fungi on the planet, as it can be found across all seven continents[1F]; it was found on diseased hardwood trees, as well as on decaying wood, including freshly cut wood[9K].

Strobilurus conigenoides (Ellis) Singer, 1962

This species is considered a saprobic fungus, as it feeds on decomposing matter, aiding in the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients back into the ecosystem; it is not categorized as threatened or endangered but it is a rare mushroom, and its population may fall due to habitat loss; it can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia and grows on dead and dying pinecones and other decaying organic matter[10M].

Photographer: Jomar S. Isidoro
Photo taken on July 8, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Photographer: Ma. Hannah Nicole G. Andaya

Photo taken on June 23, 2023 at Arroceros Forest Park, Manila;

Trametes pubescens Pilat, 1903

This species plays a crucial ecological role as a decomposer of deadwood from hardwood trees; it has been utilized in traditional folk medicine in Asian countries for the treatment of various ailments, including cancer and gastrointestinal diseases[3P]; it is widely distributed in Europe and Northern America; it was introduced in Southeast Asia and usually found attached to a healthy tree, indicating its preference for such substrates as its habitat[7K].

Tremella fuciformis Berk, 1856

This species is parasitic to other fungi and grows alone and gregariously with fruiting bodies of Hypoxylon which is frequently found nearby; polysaccharides of T. fuciformis was identified as a major bioactive component used in dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice; this grows during summer and fall in tropical and subtropical areas and it usually thrives in dead wood and to the mycelium of Hypoxylon archeri[2L].

Photographer: Adeline B. Salvo
Photo taken on June 8, 2023 at La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse