ITERA Inaugurates Mushroom Garden to Support Biodiversity Conservation

The Sumatran Institute of Technology (ITERA) has inaugurated a Mushroom Garden in Lampung, showcasing dozens of fungal species from various regions of Sumatra, particularly Lampung. ITERA Rector Prof Dr I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha stated during the inauguration on Friday that the garden represents one of the institute’s flagship innovations for introducing the world of fungi to the public whilst supporting the conservation of Indonesia’s biodiversity.

He noted that mushrooms are often overlooked, despite their vital function as decomposers that break down decaying wood and leaf litter, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting the sustainability of plant and animal life. Among the collections are wood ear mushrooms, known as a nutritious food source; Ganoderma, widely used in traditional medicine; and the unique King Alfred’s cake, or coal fungus, which can be used as a fire starter once dried.

The collection grows on various natural substrates, such as decaying wood and leaf litter, allowing visitors to learn directly about the habitat and characteristics of each species. He added that fungi also play an important role in symbiotic relationships with plants through mycorrhizae. This relationship helps plant roots absorb water and nutrients more optimally, thereby supporting the productivity and health of forest ecosystems. The ITERA Mushroom Garden is therefore expected to become a learning facility that enhances public awareness of the importance of fungi as part of the sustainability of Indonesia’s biological resources.