Pleurotus eryngii

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***Pleurotus eryngii*** (also known as **king trumpet mushroom**, **French horn mushroom**, **king oyster mushroom**, **king brown mushroom**, **boletus of the steppes**, **trumpet royale**, **aliʻi oyster**) is an edible mushroom native to Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, but also grown in many parts of Asia.

## Description

*P. eryngii* is the largest species in the oyster mushroom genus, *Pleurotus*, which also contains the oyster mushroom *Pleurotus ostreatus*. It has a thick, meaty white stem and a small tan cap (in young specimens). 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, although they may also be cultured on organic wastes.

## Taxonomy

Its species name is derived from the fact that it grows in association with the roots of *Eryngium campestre* or other *Eryngium* plants (English names: 'sea holly' or 'eryngo'). *P. eryngii* is a species complex, and a number of varieties have been described, with differing plant associates in the carrot family (Apiaceae).

* *P. eryngii* var. *eryngii* (DC.) Quél 1872 – associated with *Eryngium* ssp.
* *P. eryngii* var. *ferulae* (Lanzi) Sacc. 1887 – associated with *Ferula communis*
* *P. eryngii* var. *tingitanus* Lewinsohn 2002 – associated with *Ferula tingitana*
* *P. eryngii* var. *elaeoselini* Venturella, Zervakis & La Rocca 2000 – associated with *Elaeoselinum asclepium*
* *P. eryngii* var. *thapsiae* Venturella, Zervakis & Saitta 2002 – associated with *Thapsia garganica*

Other specimens of *P. eryngii* have been reported in association with plants in the genera *Ferulago*, *Cachrys*, *Laserpitium*, and *Diplotaenia*.

Molecular studies have shown *Pleurotus nebrodensis* to be closely related to, but distinct from, *P. eryngii*. *Pleurotus fossulatus* may be another closely related species.

## Uses

The mushroom has a good shelf life and is cultivated widely. It has little flavor or aroma when raw. When cooked, it develops typical mushroom umami flavors with a texture similar to that of abalone.

*Pleurotus eryngii* may contain chemicals that stimulate the immune system. Dietary intake of *Pleurotus 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.

## See also

* Medicinal fungi
* List of *Pleurotus* species

## Notes

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## References

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## External links

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* *Pleurotus eryngii* photos

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