Taxonomic identity, geographic distribution and commercial exploitation of the culinary-medicinal mushroom Pleurotus nebrodensis

This work provides an updated overview of an investigation carried out in Europe and elsewhere on the culinary-medicinal mushroom Pleurotus nebrodensis. In particular, the taxonomic identitiy of P. nebrodensis and other related oyster mushrooms with entirely white to cream basidiomata that grow on different plants of the family Apiaceae, is clarified. The differences in the cultivation techniques, the quality of product sold and the sales price in Europe and Asia are also highlighted. Taking also into consideration the importance of P. nebrodensis from the medicinal point of view, it appears appropriate to proceed with a verification of the commercial strains currently available in the international market under the name of "P. nebrodensis" since it is very probable that many (or most) of them do not represent the true P. nebrodensis. The original biological material is thoroughly examined/verified and is currently available by the authors at the Universityof Palermo and the Agricultural University of Athens.