Sangeeta Jha, Samrat Debnath, Lakhyajit Bora, Izaz Hussain, Ayoub Hoque and Ajeya Jha
Abstract
The Lepcha community of Sikkim has long-standing traditional knowledge of forest mushrooms, including methods to identify edible and poisonous species. This study explores their classification system, which relies on observable traits such as colour, habitat, texture, and seasonal appearance, as well as cultural beliefs that assign certain mushrooms spiritual significance. Field surveys and interviews with local Lepchas documented the vernacular names, identifying features, and perceived toxicity of mushrooms. These findings were compared with published scientific literature on mushroom identification and toxicity to evaluate the accuracy of traditional practices. Results show that while some Lepcha observations - such as avoiding decaying or brightly coloured mushrooms - have practical value, other rules, including habitat or season-based judgments, are not consistently reliable. Overall, the Lepcha system reflects careful observation, risk-averse strategies, and cultural memory, highlighting a rich indigenous understanding of fungi. Integrating this knowledge with scientific insights can improve safety and preserve traditional wisdom.