Lyophyllum decastes is a species of fungus in the family Lyophyllaceae. Basidiocarps (fruit bodies) are agaricoid (gilled mushrooms) and are formed in large clusters on the ground. In the UK, Lyophyllum decastes has the recommended English name of clustered domecap; in North America it is known as the fried chicken mushroom. The species is cultivated for food in China and Japan.

Description

The caps are smooth, varied in color, and range from 4-12 cm wide. The whitish-grayish stalks are 5-10 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. Gills are white but may yellow slightly with age. The firm flesh remains white on exposure. The spores are white. Lyophyllum semitale and Pluteus petasatus are similar in appearance, as is L. fumosum; it and L. loricatum are sometimes grouped with L. decastes as a species complex, lacking distinct, differentiating, morphological features.

Ecology

Growing in dense, often huge clusters on the ground, L. decastes is usually found where the ground has been disturbed such as roadbeds, gravel, paths, landscaping areas, and sometimes in woods. It is variously considered saprotrophic or ectomycorrhizal.

Distribution

The species was originally described from Sweden and is widespread throughout Europe and north temperate regions. It is prolific in summer and fall until spring on the U.S. West Coast and is widely distributed in North America. It also occurs in eastern temperate Asia.

Economic usage and edibility

Lyophyllum decastes is commercially cultivated in Japan, where it is known as hatake shimeji, and in China, where it is known as luronggu. The fungus is considered to be both a food and a health supplement and is grown on sawdust or bark compost. In North America, the species is considered edible and occasionally collected in the wild, but there are some reports of gastric upsets and possible confusion with poisonous Entoloma species or Clitocybe dilatata.