Abstract
The traditional knowledge on the utilisation of wild mushrooms by the Orang Asli in Kampung Sungai Berua, Hulu Terengganu, in Terengganu state of Peninsular Malaysia has yet to be documented. Therefore, a study was conducted to identify the mushroom species consumed as food and used as medicine, besides documenting the traditional knowledge of the Orang Asli in Kampung Sungai Berua. Information was gathered through interviews, observations, mushroom collection and laboratory analysis. A total of 11 mushroom species were recorded, where nine species, namely Auricularia auricula- judae, Clavulina sp., Lentinus sp., Schizophyllum commune, Termitomyces heimii, Termitomyces microcarpus, Panus giganteus, Hygrocybe conica and Cookiena sp., were utilised as food. Three species, namely Lignosus rhinoceros, Pycnoporus sp. and Cookeina sp., were utilised for medicinal purposes. Although wild mushrooms are not the main source of food in the daily lives of the Orang Asli, their occurrence is much anticipated by the villagers, and their utilisation is part of the traditional knowledge that has been passed down for generations.
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Acknowledgements
This research is supported by the Higher Education Ministry and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu research grant (RAGS2014 Vot No: 57116). The authors extend their gratitude to JAKOA, KETENGAH, Terengganu State Park Management Council and Forestry Department for their cooperation and the permission to carry out this study. Special thanks also go to Khairul Abrar Abdul Rahman and Muhammad Abdullah Ibrahim for their help during this study.
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Appendix
Appendix
Facilities at Kampung Sungai Berua (a) Houses (b) Clinic (c) JAKOA Office (d) Primary school (e) Ritual Place (f) Prayer room
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Hamzah, H.N., Mohammad, A. (2021). A Study of Wild Mushrooms Utilised for Food and Medicine by the Orang Asli Communities of Sungai Berua, Terengganu. In: Abdullah, M.T., Bartholomew, C.V., Mohammad, A. (eds) Resource Use and Sustainability of Orang Asli. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64961-6_6
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