Traditional mycological knowledge and processes of change in Mapuche communities from Patagonia, Argentina: A study on wild edible fungi in Nothofagaceae forests

Abstract

Practices, perceptions, beliefs, and other forms of relationships between rural inhabitants and fungi have scarcely been studied in Patagonia. In this work, we analyze species richness, cultural importance, and modes of use of wild edible fungi in five Mapuche communities in northwest Patagonia of Argentina. Through an ethnobiological approach, we carried out semistructured interviews, walks in forests, and participant observations. Data were analyzed qualitative and quantitatively. Community members collected 17 species in environments with different degrees of human disturbance that they consumed fresh in situ, after some processing or stored for later consumption or trade. Indigenous morels such as Morchella aff. tridentina, M. aff. septimelata, and an unidentified species of Morchella had the greatest cultural importance at the regional level, followed by the exotic Suillus luteus and the native Cyttaria hariotti. Most of these species were frequently mentioned as having commercial value, continuity of use over time, and outstanding organoleptic properties. The remaining species currently have occasional use. The differential use of edible fungi, practices, transferences, and resignifications, as well as new technologies for storage, were analyzed. Regional knowledge about fungi reflects important features of Mapuche tradition but also the process of change in responding to complex and dynamic socioeconomic and ecological contexts.