Species details
Aniseed cockleshell
Lentinellus cochleatus
Conditional / expert preparation
Photo: Thomas · CC0 · Photo source · License
Description
A clustered funnel-shaped wood fungus with saw-edged gills and a characteristic anise smell; young specimens are listed as edible.
Identification features
Cap 4–7 cm wide, ochre-brown, funnel-shaped and often irregular. Gills are crowded, strongly decurrent and saw-edged. The stem is lateral and tough.
Identification checklist
Check the strong anise smell, clustered funnel caps and distinctly saw-edged gills.
How to separate similar species
A scentless variety also exists; related species can be similar. Reliable identification is required for food use.
Habitat
Grows in large clusters on stumps and dead hardwood from summer to autumn.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October
Similar species
- Lentinellus species
- Lilac oysterling (Panus conchatus)
- Pleurotus species