Matsutake
A species of Tricholoma, Also known as Pine mushroom Scientific name : Tricholoma matsutake Genus : Tricholoma
Matsutake, A species of Tricholoma
Also known as:
Pine mushroom
Scientific name: Tricholoma matsutake
Genus: Tricholoma
Photo By No108.109 , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
A part of many traditional Japanese dishes, this wild mushroom is threatened in its home region by the destruction of the islands' pine forests that play host to the matsutake. It also grows in North America, in large enough numbers to be harvested for commercial sale at extremely high prices. Attempts at specific cultivation have not been successful.
Colors
Brown
Habitat
The matsutake grows in coniferous woodlands, in a symbiotic relationship with the roots of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora). It helps the tree absorb water and nutrients, while the tree feeds the fungus with sugars and amino acids. Its fruitbodies grow up from the ground beneath the host tree.
* Disclaimer: Content feedback CAN NOT be used as any basis for EATING ANY PLANTS. Some plants can be VERY POISONOUS, please purchase edible plants through regular channels.
People often ask
General Info
Edibility
The matsutake is a highly-sought after choice edible. Although they grow all over the world, they are particularly popular in east Asia, where they have been incorporated into regional cuisines. In Japan, they are often used in Matsutake Gohan, a mixed rice and mushroom dish. Matsutake are known for their strong, almost spicy flavor, which is unusual within the mushroom world.
Habitat
The matsutake grows in coniferous woodlands, in a symbiotic relationship with the roots of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora). It helps the tree absorb water and nutrients, while the tree feeds the fungus with sugars and amino acids. Its fruitbodies grow up from the ground beneath the host tree.
Growth Form
Solitary, gregarious
Sporocarp Height
6 inches
Cap Diameter
8 inches
Endangered Species
No
Habit
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil
Smell
Distinct spicy-aromatic odor
Spore Print
White
Species Status
Vulnerable
Distribution Area
Continental Europe, northern Asia
How to identify it?
Similar Species
Photo By No108.109 , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Club fungi Class
Mushroom-forming fungi Order
Gilled fungi Family
Pale-spore mushrooms Genus
Tricholoma Species
Matsutake