Fungi
For centuries, fungi were considered a mysterious and ambiguous life form, a singular destiny that was not shared by more reassuring organisms such as trees and flowers.
The aura of wariness that even today surrounds these curious creatures derives from their strange, and for a long time, unexplainable behaviours. The speed of growth, their surfacing from the ground after a day of rain and silent propagation without any apparent diffusion mechanisms caused a series of legends and superstitions to develop around fungi that are still rooted in our society.
But the most contributory factor to the rumours and attribution of magic powers to fungi is the characteristic of some to contain substances that are toxic for humans. Druids and some ancient South American and African populations were aware of some fungal species and, due to the hallucinogenic reactions caused by the principal ingredients, used them during propitiatory or religious ceremonies.
Today edible fungi are well-appreciated for their pleasant smell and delicate flavour, so much so that they are one of the most requested ingredients in the field of gastronomy and cooking.
The range of natural environments that make up La Mandria Park favour the growth of a considerable amount of fungal species. These are for the most part characteristic of the hardwood plain forest, but the presence in the Park of different environments, including cut meadows, zones in stages of re-naturalisation, wet zones and small lots of conifers have allowed the creation of sufficient biodiversity.
In the fall of 2002, with the indispensable collaboration of the Piedmont Mycological Association, a survey of the fungal species present in the Park was initiated.
The study was initially focused on some particles connected with the most significant natural environments (oak-hornbeam, areas with invasive undergrowth, artificial establishments of poplars and red oaks), and then extended to other zones of particular interest, such as the coniferous implants, and man-made areas.
At the end of 2006, more than 360 diverse entities of fungi were identified, including symbiont, saprophyte, and parasitic species.
The genus Russula was the most represented, with 38 species and sub-species, followed by the Amanita genus (19 species), Lactarius (17), Cortinarius (15), Collybia (14) and Agaricus (13). The Boletus genus, including the well-known "porcini” mushrooms, is represented with 7 different species.
It should be noted that in La Mandria Park the collection, removal and damaging of fungi is prohibited. Samples are allowed only for scientific or education purposes and must be authorised by the Management Authority.
