Studies on Ear Fungus-Auricularia from the Woodland of Nameri National Park, Sonitpur District, Assam.

ABSTRACT

Auricularia is the genus of the order Auriculariales with more than 10 species. It is also called ear fungus due to its morphological similarities with human ear and has considerable mythological importance. Auricularia auricula is the type species of the order Auriculariales. Different species of Auricularia are edible and some have medicinal importance and still investigations are going on other species to find out their medicinal properties. Extensive woodland of Nameri National Park provides ideal condition for the growth of different species of Auricularia. In this context the present study has been undertaken to study the taxonomy and diversity of different species of Auricularia and bring together information of its ethenomycological uses. As a result of field and laboratory study four different species of Auricularia were collected of which 3 species were identified and one species remain unidentified.