Ethnomycology species of mushrooms as food and medicine in Rao-Rao village, Batang Natal district, North Sumatra

Abstract Mushrooms have been used by people for many years, both as food and medicine. The lack of research on ethnomycology has resulted in the threat to local knowledge regarding the use of mushrooms as food, medicine, a source of income, and their sociological impact in Rao-Rao Village, Batang Natal District, North Sumatra. This research explores the uses of mushrooms and traditional knowledge associated with ethnic groups living in Rao-Rao Village. The interview method is used to collect information regarding the use of mushrooms. To determine respondents using a purposive sampling technique. Based on the interviews conducted with the people of Rao-Rao Village, eight mushrooms were found and used as food and medicine. Species of mushrooms used as food include Auricularia auricula-judae, Auricularia delicate, Volvariella volvacea, Schizophyllum commune, Lentinus conatus , and those used as medicine are Coltricia perennis, Geastrum triplex , and Lignosus rhinoceros .