Fungi of New Zealand

The fungi of New Zealand consist of an estimated 22,000 species, of which only 34% are known. There is a high diversity of New Zealand native fungi, with about 1,100 species occurring in association with native Nothofagus or Metrosideros. About a third of the known species are exotic, having been introduced by humans.

Worldwide there is estimated to be over 1.5 million species according to the Hawksworth ratio of 1:6 (vascular plants to fungi). However, worldwide only 5% of these taxa have been classified and extreme environments remain understudied. Of these known species there are 3,000 edible mushrooms, of which 200 are eaten by humans.

All around the world mushrooms are prized as nutritious, tasty, and bioactive. New Zealand is no different. Humans settled in New Zealand after fungi had already established and began their settlement in conjunction with these organisms, first used by indigenous Māori. This has resulted in rich and persistent cultural use with an understanding of both endemic and introduced fungi. Māori use of fungi as both food and medicine is under-researched but can be found in the folklore and names that accompany native mushrooms. Their medicinal value in society has persisted, with compounds found in mushrooms making up 25% of molecules used by pharmaceutical companies.

As more people have made their way to New Zealand, so have many introduced species, some which have adapted well and became foraging favourites, while others, like black truffles (Tuber melanosporum), have struggled to form associations with native plants, but could have high economic value.

Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research holds the New Zealand Fungarium, the world's largest public collection. Manaaki Whenua has 109,584 fungal species, including all type specimens in New Zealand, and some specimens from the wider Pacific.