A new mushroom species has been recognized for Central Balkan National Park
04 February 2020
Hen-of-the-woods (sheep's head) – a new mushroom species for the National Park, was found during a forest monitoring in October last year. Employees of the Park Directorate found a fruiting body in a mixed forest of about 1200 m asl. Part of the mushroom was taken and sent to leading experts in mycology determination. They are adamant that it is a Hen-of-the-woods (Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray). The species has been reported so far in Bulgaria only for the Znepolski region (Golo Burdo – Ostritsa Reserve) and the Rhodopes (West above Velingrad). The fungus parasites on living trees or stumps in mixed and deciduous forests. The fruiting body is massive – up to about 40 cm and forms large tufts between June and October.
The Hen-of-the-woods species is included in the Red List of Mushrooms in Bulgaria and is listed as endangered species in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria.
The Hen-of-the-woods species is included in the Red List of Mushrooms in Bulgaria and is listed as endangered species in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria.
