Cyttaria espinosae

Digüeñe
Cyttaria espinosae
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Ascomycota
Class:	Leotiomycetes
Order:	Cyttariales
Family:	Cyttariaceae
Genus:	Cyttaria
Species:	C. espinosae
Binomial name
Cyttaria espinosae Lloyd

Cyttaria espinosae (Lloyd), also known by its local name Digüeñe, Lihueñe or Quideñe, is an orange-white coloured edible ascomycete fungus native to south-central Chile. The Digüeñe is a strict and specific parasite of Nothofagus, mainly Nothofagus obliqua trees and cause canker-like galls on branches from which the fruiting bodies emerge between spring and early summer. The pitted surface generates air turbulence, preventing a build-up of static air around the fruitbodies, thus facilitating wind-borne spore dispersal. In Chilean cuisine, the Digüeñe is usually consumed fresh in salads or fried with scrambled eggs.

External links

• Chileflora.com