Pleurotus eryngii

The 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.

• Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii (DC.) Quél 1872 – associated with Eryngium ssp.
• Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae (Lanzi) Sacc. 1887 – associated with Ferula communis^[1]
• Pleurotus eryngii var. tingitanus Lewinsohn 2002 – associated with Ferula tingitana^[1]
• Pleurotus eryngii var. elaeoselini Venturella, Zervakis & La Rocca 2000 – associated with Elaeoselinum asclepium^[2][3]
• Pleurotus eryngii var. thapsiae Venturella, Zervakis & Saitta 2002 – associated with Thapsia garganica^[4]

Other specimens of P. eryngii have been reported in association with plants in the genera Ferulago, Cachrys, Laserpitium, and Diplotaenia, all in Apiaceae.^[5]

Molecular studies have shown P. nebrodensis to be closely related to, but distinct from, P. eryngii.^[5] Pleurotus fossulatus may be another closely related species.^[5]

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.^{[citation needed]}

The tannish cap is 4–15 centimetres (1+1⁄2–6 in) wide, smooth and slightly velvety. It is convex then flattens, with a thin margin that is initially inrolled then spreads out.^[6] The whitish gills are decurrent, dense and anastomosed. The whitish stem is 3–10 cm (1+1⁄4–4 in) tall and 1–3 cm wide.^[6]

Its natural range extends from the Atlantic Ocean through the Mediterranean Basin (including North Africa)^[6] and Central Europe into Western Asia and India.^[5]

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.^[5][7]

Pleurotus eryngii is a saprotrophic fungus. It grows in association with members of the carrot family^[1] and Eryngium plants.

It is also a nematode-trapping fungi, by which it receives nutrition.^[8] This provides phylogenetic clues about its apparent diversion from saprophytism about 419 million years ago (Mya), following the origin of nematodes (about 550–600 Mya), possibly suggesting their coevolution.^{[citation needed]}

Pleurotus eryngii extract reduced the number of Panagrellus species larvae after 24 hours by 90%. P. eryngii has predatory activity against Panagrellus species larvae due to toxin production and negatively affects Meloidogyne javanica eggs and juveniles development.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]} P. eryngii are commercially produced, edible mushrooms, with P. eryngii making up 30% of the Korean edible mushroom market since its introduction in 1995.^{[citation needed]} It is commonly used as a meat substitute.^{[citation needed]}

Pleurotus eryngii may contain chemicals that stimulate the immune system.^[9] Dietary intake of P. eryngii may function as cholesterol-lowering dietary agent.^[10]

Like some other Pleurotus species, P. eryngii attacks nematodes^[8] and may provide a control method for these parasites when they infect cats and dogs.^{[citation needed]}

It is very frequently used in Apulian cuisine. An example of this is when it is put on top of orecchiette.

• List of Pleurotus species
• Medicinal uses of fungi