Pleurotus eryngii (also known as king trumpet mushroom, French horn mushroom, king oyster mushroom, king brown mushroom, boletus of the steppes,[Note 1] trumpet royale, aliʻi oyster) is an edible mushroom native to Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, but also grown in many parts of Asia.[1]
Description
P. eryngii is the largest species in the oyster mushroom genus, Pleurotus, which also contains the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. It has a thick, meaty white stem and a small tan cap (in young specimens). Its natural range extends from the Atlantic Ocean through the Mediterranean Basin and Central Europe into Western Asia and India.[2] Unlike other species of Pleurotus, which are primarily wood-decay fungi, the P. eryngii complex are also weak parasites on the roots of herbaceous plants, although they may also be cultured on organic wastes.[2][3]
Taxonomy
Its species name is derived from the fact that it grows in association with the roots of Eryngium campestre or other Eryngium plants (English names: 'sea holly' or 'eryngo'). P. eryngii is a species complex, and a number of varieties have been described, with differing plant associates in the carrot family (Apiaceae).
- P. eryngii var. eryngii (DC.) Quél 1872 – associated with Eryngium ssp.
- P. eryngii var. ferulae (Lanzi) Sacc. 1887 – associated with Ferula communis[4]
- P. eryngii var. tingitanus Lewinsohn 2002 – associated with Ferula tingitana[4]
- P. eryngii var. elaeoselini Venturella, Zervakis & La Rocca 2000 – associated with Elaeoselinum asclepium[5][6]
- P. eryngii var. thapsiae Venturella, Zervakis & Saitta 2002 – associated with Thapsia garganica[7]
Other specimens of P. eryngii have been reported in association with plants in the genera Ferulago, Cachrys, Laserpitium, and Diplotaenia.[2]
Molecular studies have shown Pleurotus nebrodensis to be closely related to, but distinct from, P. eryngii.[2] Pleurotus fossulatus may be another closely related species.[2]
Uses
The mushroom has a good shelf life and is cultivated widely. It has little flavor or aroma when raw. When cooked, it develops rich umami flavor and a meaty texture.
Pleurotus eryngii may contain chemicals that stimulate the immune system.[8] Dietary intake of Pleurotus eryngii may function as cholesterol-lowering dietary agent.[9]
Like some other Pleurotus species, P. eryngii attacks nematodes and may provide a control method for these parasites when they infect cats and dogs.[citation needed]
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