Dryinus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Chrysidoidea
Family: Dryinidae
Subfamily: Dryininae
Genus: Dryinus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dryinus: //ˈdraɪ.nəs//

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Summary

Pleurotus dryinus, known as the veiled oyster mushroom, is a species of fungus that grows on dead wood and can function as a weak parasite on broad-leaved trees, especially oaks. It is found in Europe and North America, is edible but tough and less desirable than many other mushrooms.

Physical Characteristics

Cap grows to about 13 cm, pale, beige or greyish (in variety tephrotrichus), can turn yellowish; veil remnants may adhere to the edge; surface can be velvety (tomentose) or bare with cracks in older specimens. The lateral stem may be very short or up to about 8 cm long, usually with a membranous ring. Gills are decurrent and may anastomose, white or cream in color.

Identification Tips

The smell is pleasant or slightly polypore-like, not floury, which can help distinguish it from P. calyptratus. Taste is mild.

Habitat

Saprobic on dead wood, weak parasite of broad-leaved trees, especially on oak, but also on beech and other broad-leaved trees, occasionally on conifers.

Distribution

Found throughout Europe and also in North America; varies locally between common and rare.

Diet

Saprobic, decomposes dead wood, also a weak parasite on certain trees.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a decomposer of dead wood and may control nematode populations.

Economic Impact

Edible, though less palatable compared to better-known Pleurotus species; potential as a control method for nematodes infecting cats and dogs.

Evolution

Originally defined as Agaricus dryinus by Persoon in 1800; defined as Pleurotus by Paul Kummer in 1871, with some varieties considered forms of the same species now.