Taxonomy, habitat and distribution of medicinal mushrooms: key points for their characterization and exploitation

A first attempt to provide correct information on taxonomy, habitat, and distribution of 15 taxa considered as “medicinal mushrooms” and widely used in Italy for food, medicine and commercial purposes is here presented. For each taxon, notes on hosts and ecological categories are also provided. Eight taxa are widely distributed throughout Italy, one is endemic to Sicilia, while 5 taxa follow the distribution in Italy of their respective host plants. The study can also ensure appropriate labeling of mushroom-based products on the market being the basis of a proper made-in-Italy supply chain.