- Source: Lyophyllum shimeji
Lyophyllum shimeji, commonly known as the hon-shimeji is an edible species of fungus in the family Lyophyllaceae that grows in pine forests, often near man-made roads. It was originally only known from Japan, Korea and China, but presently has a known distribution that includes Russia, Estonia, Scandinavia, Czechia and Spain, as well as USA and Canada. It is particularly widespread in lichen pine forests in Sweden, Finland and Norway, after being confirmed from these countries as late as 2011.
Ecology
Lyophyllum shimeji grows in pine forests.
Edibility
This species is considered edible. Several groups, such as Takara Bio and Yamasa, have patented methods to cultivate hon-shimeji, and the cultivated mushroom is available from several manufacturers in Japan.
Similar species
Lyophyllum shimeji is similar in appearance to the edible species Lyophyllum decastes and toxic species Lyophyllum loricatum, Lyophyllum connatum, Clitocybe dilatata, and those of the Entoloma genus are also similar in appearance.
