Alder Agaric, Common split gill
Schizophyllum commune

Family: Agaricaceae

What it is like

A mushroom. The fruiting bodies are grey and fan-shaped. They can be 2-4 cm across. The gills spread out from the point where the fruiting body attaches to logs. The edges of the gills are thick and split or like a groove.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical Africa. They grow in groups on dead wood.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Central America, China, Congo DR, East Africa, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Himalayas, Hong Kong, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Peru, SE Asia, Singapore, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The mushroom is cooked and eaten. Dried mushrooms can be preserved. It can be tough so is boiled for 1 or 2 hours with salt added or cooked with meat in curries. It is also cooked with dried fish.

Mushrooms are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Mushroom, fungus

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bagale, Chendawan terkukur, Chengum, Cogumelo, Hed teen tukkae, Het khaen, Hongo cafe, Kakeketele, Kangla yen, Kulat sisir, Liezhejun, Luvua, Much', Mukhum jijai, Mushroom, Okulokulo, Orejita, Oreja cafecita, Pashi, Passiso, Sepa, Silutoko, Split Gill Fungus, Sulumut, Tingchapa, Turu turu, Uz, Uziam, Xichin che

Synonyms

Agaricus alneus L.; Agaricus multifidus Batsch; Daedalea commune (Fr.) P. Kumm.; Merulinus alneus (L.) J. F. Gmel.; Schizophyllum alneum Schroter; Schizophyllum alneus (L.) Kuntze; Schizophyllum multifidum (Batsch) Fr.;