Cardoncello, Cardarello, Fungo di Farola

This extremely popular fungus grows wild only in southern Italy and mainly in the Basilicata and Puglia. It can grow at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres (6,000 feet) and prefers to be among the fallen needles of the umbrella pine. It is an irregularly shaped fungus belonging to the Pleurotus family and grows in abundant clumps on thick tree stumps or wood that is decaying beneath the soil. Under its meaty head, which ranges in colour from pale-brown to grey, are its loose off-white gills which run down to the top of the stem.