Neolentinus ponderosus

Neolentinus ponderosus is a species of fungus in the family Gloeophyllaceae. It is commonly known as the ponderous lentinus or the western lentinus. This species is native to North America, where it is typically found in coniferous forests.

Taxonomy

The species was first described scientifically by American mycologist William Alphonso Murrill in 1912. The genus name Neolentinus is derived from the Greek words neo (new) and lentinus (a genus of similar fungi), while the species name ponderosus refers to the ponderosa pine, one of the species' common hosts.

Description

Neolentinus ponderosus is a medium to large-sized mushroom. The cap is convex to flat, often with a central depression, and measures 5–15 cm in diameter. The gills are white to cream, and the stipe is typically 5–10 cm long.

Habitat and distribution

Neolentinus ponderosus is found in coniferous forests throughout western North America, from Alaska to California, and east to the Rocky Mountains. It is typically found growing on the dead wood of conifers, especially ponderosa pines.

Edibility

While Neolentinus ponderosus is not generally considered a choice edible species, it is not poisonous and can be consumed when young and fresh. However, the taste is often described as bland or slightly bitter.

See also

• List of North American mushrooms

External links

• MushroomExpert.Com: Neolentinus ponderosus

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  Neolentinus ponderosus mushroom in forest

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  Close-up of Neolentinus ponderosus cap