Top 20 Most Common Mushrooms in Israel
Nestled in a region characterized by a diverse climate and unique soil composition, Israel provides a perfect habitat for a variety of mushrooms. Ranging from the arid Negev to the cooler northern climes, this nation harbors a wide array of fungal life. This page aims to guide you through the 20 most common mushrooms you'll encounter in Israel, delving into their distinct characteristics and environments. Brace yourself for an exploration of Israel's mushroom wealth, borne from the country's rich biotic interactions and ecological factors.
Most Common Mushrooms
1. Big sheath mushroom
These large white mushrooms bloom all over cleared, harvested fields, as well as pastures and roadsides. The scientific species name comes from Greek words meaning “glue” (glioio) and “head” (cephalus), in reference to the sticky surface of this mushroom’s cap. The big sheath mushroom looks so similar to the poisonous Deathcap and Destroying Angel mushrooms that it should always be left alone.
2. King oyster mushroom
The king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) is an edible mushroom widely prized for its flavor, which can be compared to scallops. It can be found wild in the warmer temperate zones of the world, and is also cultivated, growing on straw, for commercial use. The particular way in which this species decomposes plant matter may also have industrial applications.
3. Common orange lichen
Common orange lichen was selected in 2006 by the United States Department of Energy as a model for genomic sequencing. Its widespread dispersal and bright yellow-orange color give the lichen its common name. It is primarily found growing on rocks, walls, and tree bark.
4. Blewit
The blewit mushroom grows in fallen leaves in autumn and winter, sometimes appearing in ‘fairy ring’ circles. It can be used to make a green dye when chopped and boiled in an iron pot. The scientific name, Lepista nuda, derives from Latin words meaning “bare goblet,” a reference to the shape and texture of the mushroom.
5. Grey knight
The wide-capped grey knight mushroom grows in large groups, mainly on the floor of coniferous forests. Foraging them for food is not recommended, as they contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage with repeated ingestion. They are also extremely difficult to distinguish from other grey and grey-brown mushrooms that are more immediately poisonous.
6. Split gill
Split gill(Schizophyllum commune) can be found across the globe. Uniquely, it is the only mushroom species known to display the capability to retract by movement. It is considered inedible, although not necessarily toxic. Furthermore, it is not recommended to smell this species, as the spores are capable of sprouting and growing in nasal passages.
7. Garland roundhead
The rather mundane appearance of the garland roundhead (Psilocybe coronilla) is somewhat deceptive, as this mushroom holds a big secret: it is quite toxic, and along with other members of the Psilocybe family, can cause some rather unpleasant side effects if consumed, especially in those with mushroom sensitivities. They grow with ease out of grassy areas and places with high nutrient content.
8. Weeping bolete
The weeping bolete features a greasy, sticky cap surface. When young, milky droplets are released through pores on its surface. It appears most commonly beneath Scots pine or other coniferous trees and forms a mutually beneficial relationship with its host.
9. Shaggy mane
The shaggy mane mushroom is commonly found in North American and European grasslands. Some peoples foraged for its young egg-shaped caps, but it has more recently been found to be a bioaccumulator of heavy metals, meaning it pulls toxic metals up from the soil where it grows. As a result, shaggy manes should not be eaten. The mushrooms usually appear in clusters or “fairy rings.”
10. Jelly ear
The distinctive jelly ear grows mainly through winter and spring, mostly on the dead trunks and branches of elder trees. It occurs around the world and is often cooked into dishes in Asian countries. This ear-shaped jelly mushroom is often available in stores both fresh and dried.
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