GROWING GOURMET - Anto2ni.it

262 GROWTH PARAMETERS
Figure 233. Logs are bundled prior to immersion in
water.
Figure 234. A trough, pond, or in this case,a brick
framed pool (foreground) is used for immersing logs
into water for 1.2 days to stimulate fruiting.
In 1975, Pegler proposed this species be transferred to Lentinula. Although Singer has disagreed with
this designation, many taxonomists concur with Pegler. (Redhead, 1993). Pegler believes Shiitake is
more closely allied to the genera like Collybia of the Tricholomataceae family than to mushrooms
like Lentinus tigrinus, the type species of the Genus L.entinus.
Furthermore, Lentinus shares greater
affinities to genera of the Polyporaceae family where it is now placed rather than to other gilled mushrooms.
This allegiance bewilders most amateur mycologists until the mushrooms are compared
microscopically. Recent DNA studies support this delineation. Cultivators must keep abreast of the
most recent advances in taxonomy so that archaic names can be retired, and cultures be correctly
identified. For more information, consult Hibbett &Vilgalys (1991), Singer (1986), Redhead (1985),
Pegler(l975 &1983).
Description: Cap 5-25 cm. broad, hemispheric, expanding to convex and eventually plane at maturity.
Cap dark brown to nearly black at first, becoming lighter brown in age, or upon drying. Cap
margin even to irregular, inrolled at first, then incurved, flattening with maturity and often undulating
with age. Gills white, even at first, becoming serrated or irregular with age*, white, bruising brown
when damaged. Stem fibrous, centrally to eccentrically attached, fibrous, and tough in texture. Flesh
bruises brownish.
* Although taxonomists frequently refer to the even margin of Shiitake. as a grower. I see the Shiitake gill margins
progressing from even to irregular edges as the mushrooms mature, especially on the first flush. I would hesitate to rely
on this feature as one of taxonomic significance. It may be a strain-determined phenomenon.
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