Lentinellus cochleatus (Persoon) P. Karsten 1879)
The “Aniseed Cockleshell” is not common. Grows in clusters from rudimentary or absent stem on wood stumps of deciduous trees (oak, ash, etc.) in late summer and autumn.
Pleurotoid to somewhat funnel-shaped smooth cap often having basally fused lateral or absent stems. Gills are decurrent. Like all Lentinellus species, the gills are saw-toothed (serrated, jagged). Brittle but tough flesh. This is in the Auriscalpiaceae family of the Russulales.
Edible: Mild taste. Aniseed flavor and odor.
The aromatic compounds involved in the aniseed odor are also found in Agaricus arvensis, Clitocybe odora and other mushrooms. They are a potential source for the flavor industry.
'The anise-like odor of Clitocybe odora, Lentinellus cochleatus and Agaricus essettei', Mycologia, 94(3), 2002, pp. 373–376. 2002 by The Mycological Society of America, Lawrence, KS 66044-8897 Issued 21 May 2002.
Lentinellus cochleatus