In the lush landscapes of Lebanon, a growing community of nature enthusiasts is turning to social media to share their mushroom discoveries and seek expert identification. Armed with curiosity and smartphones, these foragers venture into forests, hills, and protected areas, capturing snapshots of their fungal finds and posting them on platforms like the Facebook group Mushrooms of Lebanon with the page Fungi in Lebanon as a top contributor. This digital network has become an essential tool for mushroom identification, allowing experts and amateurs alike to collaborate in uncovering the rich fungal biodiversity of the region.
A Hima Haven for Fungi
Lebanon’s Hima sites—conservation areas dedicated to the protection of biodiversity—have proven to be fertile grounds for mushroom discovery. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) Homat AL Hima and other nature enthusiasts has documented numerous fungal species thriving in these protected zones.
In Hima Ebel el Saqi, Stephanie Ferando, an SPNL project manager, made an exciting find: Mycena seynii, a delicate and luminous species that adds a mystical touch to the forest floor.
In Hima Hammana, Abir Saab discovered Entoloma, while her exploration in Baskinta led to the identification of Suillus collinitus. This mushroom, which grows in pine tree areas, is edible when cooked. For those eager to try it, it can be fried with eggs—but not before peeling off its brown cap layer to remove any potential bitterness.
Foragers and Their Finds
Beyond the Hima sites, mushroom hunters across Lebanon have reported remarkable discoveries.
- Alexis Hurd-Shires found Gymnopilus sp. in Sabtieh, a genus known for its striking orange hues.
- Raghed Al-Hassan documented Sarcoscypha sp. in Choueifat, nestled under pine and other trees. This brilliantly red cup fungus is a visual marvel, though proper species identification requires microscopic examination of its spores.
- Grégoire Codsi came across Tricholomopsis rutilans in Daroun, a striking purple-capped mushroom that stands out amidst the forest floor.
- Rony Bsaibes made an intriguing discovery in Baabda, where he found Amanita magniverrucata under oak trees. Part of the Amanita genus, this species is notable for its large, wart-like cap and association with symbiotic tree roots.
A Growing Culture of Mycology
This newfound passion for fungi is not just about identification—it’s about education, conservation, and the culinary potential of edible mushrooms. The surge in social media engagement around mushroom foraging reflects a deepening appreciation for Lebanon’s diverse ecosystems. Through digital collaboration, amateur mycologists and experts alike are fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility for nature.
Whether foraging in the hills of Hammana or the forests of Baabda, Lebanon’s mushroom hunters are not just exploring the land—they are cultivating a deeper connection with nature. With each post, they contribute to a growing body of knowledge, ensuring that Lebanon’s fungal treasures are recognized, documented, and preserved for future generations.
