Craterellus cornucopioides is a species of fungus commonly known as the horn of plenty, black chanterelle, black trumpet, or trumpet of the dead. It forms a funnel-shaped grayish mushroom, which is found in Eurasia, North America, and Australia. It is edible.
Description
The fruiting body is shaped like a funnel expanded at the top, the stalk seamless with the cap, which is wide. exceptionally . In the American Pacific Northwest, it grows from November to March. It mainly grows under beech, oak or other broad-leaved trees, especially in moss in moist spots on heavy calcareous soil. In Australia, they grow in rainforest gullies, often associated with Northofagus spp., Along with Cantharellus cibarius (golden chanterelles) they are also a significant source of biologically active vitamin B12, containing 1.09–2.65 μg/100 g dry weight.
When dried, C. cornucopioides acquires black truffle notes; in this form it can be crumbled as a condiment.
In culture
The Cornucopia, in Greek mythology, referred to the magnificent horn of the nymph Amalthea's goat (or of herself in goat form), that filled itself with whatever meat or drink its owner requested. It has become the symbol of plenty.
A possible origin for the name "trumpet of the dead" is that the growing mushrooms were seen as being played as trumpets by dead people under the ground. This name is translated to trompette de mort (French)
External links
- Mushroom-collecting.com: Craterellus cornucopioides
- MykoWeb California Fungi: Craterellus cornucopioides