Macrofungi from a Sub-Andean forest in Santander, Colombia

An inventory was conducted in a Sub-Andean forest in the upper basin of the Chucurí River, in the municipality of San Vicente de Chucurí (Santander, Colombia), located in the area of influence of the Serranía de los Yariguíes National Natural Park, the best-preserved remnant of Andean forest in the region. Macrofungi samples were collected in a relict of mixed forest dominated by Andean oaks (Quercus humboldtii) and an agroforestry farm on July, October, and November, 2023. An opportunistic sampling was used and the samples were identified using morphological features and specialized literature. A total of 86 samples were collected, of which 58 were determined to the species level and 28 to genus level. Two new records of the order Agaricales are proposed for Colombia: Bovista oblongispora (Lycoperdaceae) and Pleurotus albidus (Pleurotaceae). Likewise, 35 new records are reported for the department of Santander. Based on identifications and literature, 15 species are potentially edible, four have medicinal properties, and one exhibits hallucinogenic effects. A photographic record of the identified species is provided. This is the first study of the macrofungal communities in the municipality on San Vicente de Chucurí and contributes to the knowledge and management of the fungal diversity of Santander department.