Neolentinus

The genus Neolentinus was described as segregate of Lentinus (as used in a broad taxonomic sense) and is partially distinguished by the fact that Neolentinus species produce a brown rot type of decay of wood, whereas Lentinus causes a white rot. Molecular base phylogenetic analysis shows that the two genera are not at all closely related. Instead, Neolentinus is related to another brown rot causing fungal genus, Gloeophyllum. The genus Heliocybe is also related. A new order, the Gloeophyllales, has been described for these fungi.

The most famous species in this genus is Neolentinus lepideus, sometimes known as The Train Wrecker, a name coined because the fungus is one of the few decay fungi that can grow on creosote treated railroad ties. Neolentinus lepideus also grows on timbers in old mines, but because it requires light to form its pilei, the fungus forms bizarre growth forms under ground.

Neolentinus kauffmanii decays sitka spruce on the west coast of North America producing a variation of brown rot called brown pocket rot. Neolentinus ponderosus is another western North American species found on the ground growing from the roots of or growing from the stumps of pine, predominantly Pinus ponderosa in mountane areas. In California it is often solitary, common in the Sierra, and is rare at low elevations. The fruiting commences from late spring to late summer. Sought out when young and tender it has an excellent taste.

External link

 * Neolentinus ponderosus at California Fungi