Syllabus section: geography

 

Why in News?

The Jammu and Kashmir Government recently sought a GI tag for Gucchi mushroom. The Gucchi mushrooms are highly expensive and are full of health benefits. 500 grams of Gucchi mushrooms cost Rs 18,000. Recently, GI Tag was provided to Saffron of Jammu and Kashmir.

About:

• Gucchi mushroom is a species of fungus belonging to the family Morchellaceae. They are pale yellow in color with large ridges and pits on their cap. They are raised on a large white stem. The Gucci mushrooms are locally called “Thuntoo”.

• The Gucchi mushrooms prefer soil with a limestone base. They also grow in acid soils. The Gucci mushrooms are usually found in early spring.

• They are referred to as “May Mushrooms” in North America.

• The time of fruiting of the mushrooms varies locally from February to July. In Canada, they appear only after June.

 

Source: The Hindu