Pleurotus eryngii
Pleurotus eryngii is an Old World species of fungus.
Taxonomy
The species name is derived from the fact that it grows in association with the roots of Eryngium campestre or other Eryngium plants. P. eryngii is a species complex and a number of varieties have been described, with differing plant associates in the carrot family.Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii Quél 1872 – associated with Eryngium ssp.- Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae (Lanzi) Sacc. 1887 – associated with Ferula communisPleurotus eryngii var. tingitanus Lewinsohn 2002 – associated with Ferula tingitanaPleurotus eryngii var. elaeoselini Venturella, Zervakis & La Rocca 2000 – associated with Elaeoselinum asclepiumPleurotus eryngii var. thapsiae Venturella, Zervakis & Saitta 2002 – associated with Thapsia garganica
Molecular studies have shown P. nebrodensis to be closely related to, but distinct from, P. eryngii. Pleurotus fossulatus may be another closely related species.
Phylogeny
Pleurotus populations growing on umbellifers seem to have recently diverged through a sympatric speciation process that is based on both intrinsic reproductive barriers and extrinsic ecogeographical factors.Description
The tannish cap is wide, smooth and slightly velvety. It is convex then flattens, with a thin margin that is initially inrolled then spreads out. The whitish gills are decurrent, dense and anastomosed. The whitish stem is tall and 1–3 cm wide.Distribution and habitat
Its natural range extends from the Atlantic Ocean through the Mediterranean Basin and Central Europe into Western Asia and India.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 in the carrot family, although they may also be cultured on organic wastes.
Ecology
Pleurotus eryngii is a saprotrophic fungus. It grows in association with members of the carrot family and Eryngium plants.It is also a nematode-trapping fungi, by which it receives nutrition. This provides phylogenetic clues about its apparent diversion from saprophytism about 419 million years ago, following the origin of nematodes, possibly suggesting their coevolution.
P. eryngii extract reduced the number of Panagrellus sp. larvae after 24 h by 90%. P. eryngii has predatory activity against Panagrellus sp. larvae due to toxin production and negatively affects Meloidogyne javanica eggs and juveniles development.
Uses
The mushroom has a good shelf life and is widely cultivated. It has little flavor or aroma when raw. When cooked, it develops rich umami flavor and a meaty texture. When cultivating RAPD can be used in the mushroom industry for the classification and maintenance of high-quality mushroom spawns. P. eryngii, are commercially produced, edible mushrooms, with P. eryngii making up 30% of the Korean edible mushroom market since its introduction in 1995. It is commonly used as a meat substitute.Pleurotus eryngii may contain chemicals that stimulate the immune system. Dietary intake of P. eryngii may function as cholesterol-lowering dietary agent.
Like some other Pleurotus species, P. eryngii attacks nematodes and may provide a control method for these parasites when they infect cats and dogs.
It is very frequently used in Apulian cuisine. An example of this is when it is put on top of orecchiette.