Cyclocybe aegerita, also calledAgrocybe cylindracea, Agrocybe aegerita or Pholiota aegerita, is a species of fungus in the genus Cyclocybe. It is commonly known as the poplar fieldcap, poplar mushroom, or velvet pioppini (simplified Chinese:茶树菇; traditional Chinese:茶樹菇; pinyin:chá shù gū; lit.'Tea Tree Mushroom'). In Japan, it is called Yanagi-matsutake (柳松茸).
It is a white rot fungus with a cap up to 10 centimetres (4 inches) wide. Although it resembles some poisonous species, it is edible and cultivated in some countries.
Description
The mushroom is a medium-sized agaric having a very open and convex cap, almost flat, with a diameter of 3–10 centimetres (1–4 inches). Underneath, it has numerous whitish radial plates adherent to the foot, later turning to a brownish-grey colour, and light elliptic spores of 8–11 by 5–7μm. The white fibre foot is generally curved, having a membranous ring on the top part which promptly turns to tobacco colour due to the falling spores. When very young, its colour may be reddish-brown and later turn to a light brown colour, more ochre towards the centre, whiter around its border.
It is difficult to identify and some species in the genus are poisonous.
Habitat
It is a white rot fungus growing in tufts on logs and holes in poplars, as well as other large-leaved trees.
Uses
The mushroom is edible but resembles some deadly species. It is a typical ingredient found in both Southern European and Chinese cuisine. In East Asia, it is used fresh and rehydrated in various dishes, including stir fry, soup, stew, and hot pot.
