gargal (Gargal) — Species | WeMush Taxonomy

gargal

Gargal

Grifola gargal is a wood-decaying polypore fungus native to the Andean-Patagonian forests of Chile and Argentina. It produces large, multipileate fruiting bodies consisting of numerous fan-shaped or spoon-shaped caps arising from a common base, similar in structure to Grifola frondosa but often more robust. The species is renowned for its strong, distinct aroma of almonds, which persists even after cooking.

Edibility: Choice edible. Highly prized in South American cuisine for its firm texture and unique almond flavor. It is considered a gourmet mushroom and is harvested from the wild as well as cultivated.

Habitat: Strictly associated with Nothofagus (Southern Beech) trees, particularly Nothofagus obliqua. It grows on living trunks or fallen logs, causing white rot.

Difficulty: ADVANCED

Cultivation Suitability

Preferred Substrates

Hardwood sawdust (Nothofagus, Oak)

Sunflower seed hulls

Grain spawn (Wheat)

Distribution

Southern South America (Chile and Argentina).

Known Strains (0)

No strains cataloged yet for this species.

Track Your Own Gargal Grows

Join WeMush to log cultivation data, discover strains, and connect with fellow growers.

Join WeMush