Oyster mushrooms grow in masses and rows on hardwood logs, stumps, and trees. They are one of the few species of fungi that is carnivorous. To supplement its diet of rotting wood, this mushroom will feed on small (less than 1 mm) animals called nematodes to provide nitrogen. The mycelium of the fungus secretes a substance that paralyzes the nematode, and digestion of the animal takes place by the thread-like tips of the mycelium entering through its mouth. COOL!

The oyster mushrooms shown here are freshly mature specimens. See also very young specimens.
Also compare these to a related species, the beautiful Angel Wings.

© Eileen K. Seto

Pleurotus ostreatus

British Columbia, Canada - June, 1996

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