# Tricholoma matsutake

The Tricholoma matsutake, also known as the Matsutake mushroom, is a rare and highly prized fungus found in forests. Its spicy aroma and unique flavor make it a delicacy in many cuisines.

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Tricholoma matsutake](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Matsutake.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Tomomarusan, CC BY 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Matsutake.jpg)

## Appearance

The Tricholoma matsutake has a thick, firm cap, typically reddish-brown with darker scales. Its sturdy stem is often covered by a partial veil, revealing creamy white gills underneath. This gives it a robust, earthy appearance, different from many slender mushrooms.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Agaricales
- **Family:** Tricholomataceae
- **Genus:** Tricholoma

## Interesting facts

- A single Matsutake mushroom can fetch hundreds of dollars!
- Matsutake need very specific, healthy forest conditions to thrive naturally.
- These forest treasures often hide beneath a thick blanket of pine needles.
- They are so picky; scientists still struggle to grow them on farms.

## Special abilities

- **Scent Seeker:** Tricholoma matsutake releases a unique spicy, aromatic smell that helps animals find it and spread its spores.
- **Tree Tamer:** It forms a special underground partnership with tree roots, sharing nutrients to help both grow strong.
- **Hidden Helper:** Its vast underground network of threads helps transport water and minerals throughout the forest soil.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 10-25 cm
- **Edible:** edible
- **Size:** 6-20 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** soil
- **Season:** Fall
- **Spore Color:** White

## Ecological connections

- **Symbiotic with:** Japanese Red Pine (*Pinus densiflora*) — Forms mycorrhizal partnership.
- **Symbiotic with:** [Western Hemlock](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-hemlock) (*Tsuga heterophylla*) — Shares nutrients with roots.
- **Symbiotic with:** [Grand Fir](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grand-fir) (*Abies grandis*) — Benefits from tree roots.
- **Symbiotic with:** [Sitka Spruce](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sitka-spruce) (*Picea sitchensis*) — Essential root companion.

## Traits

- [Mycorrhizal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mycorrhizal): This trait describes a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant, benefiting both organisms.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
- [Symbiotic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/symbiotic): Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
- [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate

Never pick or eat wild mushrooms without an adult who is an expert in mushroom identification.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Tricholoma matsutake?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Tricholoma matsutake?

10-25 cm

### Is Tricholoma matsutake edible?

edible

### How big is Tricholoma matsutake?

6-20 cm

### Where is Tricholoma matsutake usually found?

Forests

### What does Tricholoma matsutake grow on?

soil

### When is Tricholoma matsutake in season?

Fall

### What color are Tricholoma matsutake spores?

White

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Tricholoma matsutake: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tricholoma-matsutake)