A Study on the Ganoderma Lucidum of Warri South Local Government Area

Abstract

A study on the medicinal mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) was conducted from May to July 2015 to document the medicinal importance of Ganoderma lucidum “Itu” by the Warri South people in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. This mushroom was identified and collected during field trip and visits to traditional medical practitioners. Four mushrooms species were identified out of which 2 are edible, 1 is used medicinally and 1 is feared by the locals and trial’s of the community because of its poisonous content. These mushroom were briefly described, their uses, local names and part used were listed. These mushrooms are faced with rapid extinction because its knowledge and use are not passed to younger generation.