Pleurotus ostreatus - Вёшенка обыкновенная - Oyster Mushroom

Pleurotus ostreatus - Вёшенка обыкновенная - Oyster Mushroom - Austernseitling 1/24/09—9/21/13

Pleurotus ostreatus, commonly known as the Oyster Mushroom, is a saprotrophic basidiomycete fungus belonging to the Pleurotaceae family. This species is characterized by its fan-shaped or oyster-like caps, which can reach up to 25 cm in diameter. The cap color varies from white to gray, sometimes with shades of blue or brown. The white to cream-colored gills run down the short, off-center stem. As a saprotrophic fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus decomposes dead hardwood, such as oak and beech, and can also grow on conifer wood. This species is highly valued as an edible mushroom, known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. The Oyster Mushroom is widely distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Russia, where it is known as Вёшенка обыкновенная. It typically inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, growing on decaying logs, stumps, and living trees with weakened bark. Pleurotus ostreatus produces white to pale lilac, elliptical spores that measure approximately 8-12 µm by 3-4 µm. The spore print is white or pale lilac, making it a key characteristic for identification. The number of spores produced per fruiting body can vary, depending on factors such as species, environmental conditions, and the size of the fruiting body, but generally, millions of spores can be produced by a single mushroom. Although Pleurotus ostreatus is considered edible, proper identification is essential when foraging for mushrooms to avoid accidental ingestion of harmful species. This species can sometimes be confused with the toxic Pleurocybella porrigens, although the latter has a more gelatinous texture and a white spore print. In German, this fungus is known as Austernseitling, which reflects its oyster-like appearance and its close relationship with the Pleurotaceae family. Additionally, Pleurotus ostreatus has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects, as well as its ability to lower cholesterol and stimulate the immune system.