Most Germans can accurately identify only a handful of native mushroom species. A study by the University of Trier, announced by the university on Monday, found that participants recognized an average of just 16.7 % of the species shown. Over a quarter of respondents could not identify even a single species.

The biology‑didactics survey examined 747 people. Only about a third of them could correctly judge the edibility of mushrooms, and 70 % failed to name five species. Most respondents mistakenly thought mushrooms were plants.

Study author Ina Schanz said that knowing species is a vital foundation for conservation. “People tend to appreciate and protect only what they know” she explained. In response, the university is developing a new teaching‑learning module for schools to introduce the ecological importance of mushrooms earlier.