Diversity and Distribution of Russula in India with Reference to Central Indian species

Abstract

An account of mushrooms belonging to genus Russula reported from different part of India is given. Total 124 species of the genus were compiled from literature with their records of habitat, distribution and references. Russula species were recorded from 13 states of India. Uttarakhand represent the maximum diversity of Russula species (57) followed by Kerala (17), Himachal Pradesh (13), West Bengal (13), Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim 10 species each, Madhya Pradesh (6) and Nagaland (6). Other states from where species recorded include Meghalaya (3), Punjab (2) while Maharashtram and Tamil Nadu are represented by only one species each. Six species of Russula namely: R. adusta, R. cinerella, R. congoana, R. delicula, R. leelavathyi and R. michiganensis were recorded and described for the first time from Sal forest of central India (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh). These fungi are known to form ectomycorrizal association with sal trees. Among them some species are edible and sold in the local market during rainy season.