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New Zealand Shiitake
Lentinula novae-zelandiae is New Zealand's only native Lentinula, an endemic white-rot relative of shiitake that grows on fallen rotting wood in native (including podocarp) forest. It has a dark reddish-brown, finely fibrillose cap and a densely scaly stem. It is cultivated locally, and cultures and grow kits are sold in New Zealand, but sources disagree on its edibility.
Edibility disputed; not recommended. It is cultivated and sold as cultures and grow kits in New Zealand, but one New Zealand field-guide site lists it as not edible. Wild brown mushrooms on wood include dangerous species, so do not eat wild material without expert identification.
Never eat a wild mushroom based on a web page — confirm with an expert.
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Mycology is an evolving science: names, classifications and safety information change as research advances. Entries are compiled from cited sources and reviewed, but may be incomplete or out of date — check the sources, and never rely on this library alone to identify or eat a mushroom.
