Bear's head mushroom, Medusa fungi, Medusa's head, Lion's mane
Hericium erinaceum
Family: Hydnaceae
What it is like
A mushroom. The fruiting bodies have coarse tooth-like spines hanging from the body.
Where it is found
It is a temperate and tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Caucasus, Central America, China, Costa Rica, Europe, Georgia, Himalayas, Hong Kong, Italy, Mediterranean, Mexico, Nepal, North America, Russia, Sicily, USA
How it is used for food
The fruiting bodies are eaten. They need to be eaten when young. They can be parboiled then seasoned with garlic butter. They are also fried in olive oil.
It is eaten locally as a delicacy. It is sold in local markets in Nepal.
Edible parts
Mushroom, fungus
How it is grown
It is cultivated in sawdust bottle culture.
Its other names
Local names
Eshmak'is burnuti. Pom pom blanc, Yamabushitake