With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:

It is a fungus.
It grows in some Himalayan Forest areas.
It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north- eastern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

Explanation

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 2. Here’s why:

Gucchi is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae of the Ascomycota.
It grows in some Himalayan forest areas, particularly in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Gucchi is not commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India. It is a wild mushroom and is not cultivated commercially.

Gucchi, also known as Morel Mushrooms or Morchella Esculenta, is prized for its spongy, honeycomb texture and unique flavor.
It is one of the most expensive mushrooms, with prices ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000 per kilogram.
Gucchi mushrooms grow in clusters on logs of decaying wood, leaves, or humus soil.
The growing season of Gucchi mushrooms is from March to July, and they are commonly found at a height of 2500-3000 meters in Himalayan forests.
These mushrooms are rich in potassium, vitamins, copper, and vitamin D.
Gucchi mushrooms have various health benefits, including being rich in minerals, iron, and copper.