Wild Edible Morels in Uzbekistan: Ethnomycological Knowledge and Seasonal Use Across Wooded and Dryland Habitats

Wild edible morels are among the most recognisable spring fungi in Uzbekistan, yet their species‐level identity, locality‐based distribution and ethnomycological significance remain incompletely documented. This review synthesises evidence concerning Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. and Morchella steppicola Zerova by integrating diagnostic morphology, vernacular recognition, seasonal gathering, habitat associations, household preparation, preservation, culinary use, historical sources and locality‐based Global Biodiversity Information Facility occurrence data. Uzbekistan‐specific literature forms the primary evidence base, while Central Asian and broader Eurasian studies provide comparative and interpretive context. The evidence indicates that both species are recognised as edible spring fungi, but their documentation is markedly uneven. Morchella esculenta is more extensively recorded in relation to local names, morphology, habitat, drying, rehydration and culinary use, whereas M. steppicola has a narrower published profile but is particularly associated with steppe, semi‐desert and other open dryland habitats. The reviewed dataset contained 21 accepted records of M. esculenta , of which 16 georeferenced records represented nine mapped localities across four countries and nine accepted georeferenced records of M. steppicola representing nine mapped localities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. These records support broad ecological differences between the species but remain too sparse and geographically uneven to define complete distributions, abundance, population trends or conservation status. Historical and comparative sources indicate a longer regional documentary background, including medieval materia medica references and Soviet‐period records, but do not demonstrate continuity with contemporary household, market, medicinal or cultural practices in Uzbekistan. Wild edible morels are therefore best interpreted as seasonal biocultural food resources supported by an incomplete evidence base. Future research should prioritise field‐based ethnomycology, voucher‐supported identification, georeferenced occurrence records, multi‐season ecological monitoring, market assessment and documentation of knowledge transmission before cultivation or value chain development is pursued.