Mycological Flora

Mushrooms are the ecological protagonists because of the numerous biological functions that they perform. They are also famous as gastronomic delicacies associated with certain dishes. However, the undisputed king of the fungi in the Monferrato hills is the white truffle (Tuber magnatum), sac fungus hypogeum connected in symbiosis with the roots of other trees like the poplar, oak and lime. For its aroma and taste it's an exaltation for the joy of the palate. It has been somewhat commercialised and it is often the main feature and attraction of country fairs.
To compare with the noble white truffle we've got the Armillaria mellea which is deeply rooted in an antique gastronomic tradition in Monferrato, even if the experts consider it to be of poor quality and often, if consumed in large quantities, can cause gastro-intestinal problems and poisoning. Among those appreciated is the rare royal agaric (Amanita caesarea) which is found in the oak woods in limy soil, the well-known pore fungus (mushroom) (Boletus edulis) which is found only in the well preserved woods, the Macrolepiota procera, the morel (Morchella vulgaris) which is almost a rarity due to the scarcity of the symbiontic elm tree (Ulmus minor) and some other special ones like the
Langermannia gigantea.
Also among the mushrooms there is no absence of rarities or special fungus' the Boletus (Boletus pulchrotinctus), comes to mind along with some species discovered recently in a few places in northern Italy.


BIODIVERSITA' in MONFERRATO Forest Vegetation - The Flora - Mushrooms - The Fauna