Cyclocybe aegerita
Species of fungus
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Through Micrometre, Korea and Wastewater
It is a white rot fungus with a cap up to 10 centimetres (4 inches) wide. Although it resembles some poisonous species, it is edible and cultivated in some countries.
Description
The mushroom is a medium-sized agaric having a very open and convex cap, almost flat, with a diameter of 3–10 centimetres (1–4 inches). Underneath, it has numerous whitish radial plates adherent to the foot, later turning to a brownish-grey colour, and light elliptic spores of 8–11 by 5–7 μm. The white fibre foot is generally curved, having a membranous ring on the top part which promptly turns to tobacco colour due to the falling spores. When very young, its colour may be reddish-brown and later turn to a light brown colour, more ochre towards the centre, whiter around its border.
It is difficult to identify and some species in the genus are poisonous.
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Habitat
It is a white rot fungus growing in tufts on logs and holes in poplars, as well as other large-leaved trees.
Uses
The mushroom is edible but resembles some deadly species. It is a typical ingredient found in both Southern European and Chinese cuisine. In East Asia, it is used fresh and rehydrated in various dishes, including stir fry, soup, stew, and hot pot.
It is cultivated in Korea, Japan, China, and Australia. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used as a diuretic.
Along with Mycetinis alliaceus and Chondrostereum purpureum, it is suitable for counteracting olive-mill wastewater plant toxicity.