Ethnomycology of indigenous trametes mushrooms from northern Namibia

Abstract

To date there is no documented data available on the Namibian indigenous Trametes mushrooms. The objective of this study was therefore to generate information for the first time, on the ethnomycology of Trametes species in Northern Namibia. A questionnaire was used and the data captured were analysed in SPSS. Results show that 83.9% of respondents included in this study knew Trametes mushroom but only 70.4% used it for medicinal purpose. Indigenous Trametes mushrooms in Namibia are mostly used as a tranquiliser to calm bereaved people who are crying hysterically at burials. Other uses include treating cattle from lung disease. These uses for Trametes species have not been reported before in literature.