Cyttaria espinosae

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Digüeñe
Cyttaria espinosae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi Division: Ascomycota Class: Leotiomycetes Order: Cyttariales Family: Cyttariaceae Genus: Cyttaria Species: C. espinosae
Binomial name
Cyttaria espinosae Loyd

Cyttaria espinosae (Lloyd) also known by its local name Digüeñe or Lihueñe is an orange-white coloured edible fungus native to south-central Chile. The Digüeñe is a strict and sepecific parasite of Nothofagus, mainly Nothofagus obliqua trees and cause canker-like galls on branches from which the fruiting bodies emerge between spring and early summer. The pitted surface generates air turbulence, preventing a build-up of static air around the fruitbodies, thus facilitating wind-borne spore dispersal. In Chilean cuisine the Digüeñe is usually consumed fresh in salads or fried with scrambled eggs.

[edit] References

• Chileflora.com