Morphology and Diversity of Wild Macro-Fungi in Yauri Metropolis Kebbi, Kebbi State

Abstract Wild mushrooms have been relatively well documented in various environments however; they remain significantly under-recorded in the Guinea Savanna region of southern Kebbi State due to lack of both professional and amateur mycologists conducting periodic surveys. This study aimed at studying morphology and diversity of wild mushrooms in Yauri metropolis using standard procedures between May to October, 2023. A total of eight wild mushroom species were identified, belonging to five families: Agaricaceae, Hypoxylaceae, Pleurotaceae, Polyporaceae, and Ganodermataceae. Among the species observed on various substrates, Daldinia concentrica (31.6), Ganoderma applanatum (17.1), and Trametes versicolor (12.8) had the highest densities. Pleurotus tuber-regium and Ganoderma spp. both recorded a density of 8.5, followed by Agaricus sp. with 5.1, while Ganoderma lucidum showed the lowest density at 4.3. This study represents a preliminary effort to document and characterize the morphological features of wild mushrooms in the area. It highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive and systematic survey of mushroom species across Kebbi State. Accurate scientific identification of wild mushrooms is essential for understanding their distinguishing features and exploring their potential biological and economic benefits. Keywords: Mushroom, diversity, macro and microscopic morphology