Lentinus (aka Neolentinus)
Lentinus lepidius, known as the American shiitake or the "train wrecker" because of its tendency to grow on the timbers of railroad trestles and then produce a mushroom just as the timbers were too weak to support a train. These fruiting bodies can be as large as a saucer, but more commonly they are under 4 inches across the cap. This good edible smells fruity and only the tough texture discourages fungivory. Fortunately, stewing it a short time in white wine works wonders. If fresh, usually in July, it is very tasty.
This entire group is noted for the "sawtooth" or serrated gill edges that are visible to the naked eye. This group is widespread and diverse, and related genera are found in the tropics. See the Bolivian Lentinus crinitus.
NEOlentinus ponderosa
Lentinellus ursinus
