Pleurotus cornucopiae - Вёшенка рожковидная - Branched Oyster Mushroom

Pleurotus cornucopiae - Вёшенка рожковидная - Branched Oyster Mushroom - Hornförmiger Seitling 9/24/09—3/19/23

Pleurotus cornucopiae, also known as the Branched 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 15 cm in diameter. The cap color ranges from pale yellow to brownish-yellow with a slightly darker center. The white to cream-colored gills run down the short, off-center stem. As a saprotrophic fungus, Pleurotus cornucopiae primarily decomposes dead hardwood, such as oak, beech, and poplar, but can also grow on conifer wood. This species is considered edible and is known for its mild taste and tender texture. The Branched Oyster Mushroom is distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of Russia, where it is known as Вёшенка рожковидная. It typically inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, growing on decaying logs, stumps, and living trees with weakened bark. Pleurotus cornucopiae 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 cornucopiae 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 other toxic mushrooms, although its spore print and habitat can help with identification. In German, this fungus is known as Hornförmiger Seitling, which reflects its horn-like appearance and its close relationship with the Pleurotaceae family. Additionally, Pleurotus cornucopiae has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its ability to stimulate the immune system.