Description

Pleurotus ostreatus is a common edible mushroom. It was cultivated for the first time in Germany during WWI to supplement food stock at a minimum measure. It is named because the fruiting body somewhat resembles an oyster shell. It is found in temperate and subtropical forests throughout the world. It is one of the few known carnivorous mushrooms as its mycelia can kill and digest nematodes. It is similar to Pearl Oysters except the fruiting bodies have a blueish-grayish hue. Has a sweet, woodsy taste and can be a substitute for meat because of how well it holds its shape and consistency.  Spores are 7–11 x 2–4 µm in size and cylindric-ellipsoid in shape.