Exotic Mushrooms

Exotic Mushrooms you could grow

Here is a list of more exotic mushroom species you could possibly cultivate in Southern Africa, along with the substrates they are typically grown on:

1. Enoki Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes): Substrate: Pasteurized wheat straw or sawdust supplemented with bran.
2. Shimeji Mushroom (Hypsizygus tessellatus): Substrate: Pasteurized hardwood sawdust or supplemented grain substrates.
3. Lingzhi Mushroom/Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): Substrate: Hardwood logs or sawdust blocks with added nutrients.
4. Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa): Substrate: Hardwood logs or supplemented sawdust substrates.
5. Cordyceps Mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis): Substrate: In nature, it grows parasitically on insect larvae. Cultivated using grain-based substrates.
6. Lobster Mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum): Substrate: Parasitic fungus that grows on other mushrooms, primarily on lactarius and russula species.
7. Pioppino Mushroom (Agrocybe aegerita): Substrate: Pasteurized hardwood sawdust or supplemented grain substrates.
8. Nameko Mushroom (Pholiota nameko): Substrate: Pasteurized hardwood sawdust or supplemented grain substrates.
9. King Trumpet Mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii): Substrate: Pasteurized straw or sawdust supplemented with cottonseed hulls or other nitrogen sources.
10. Beech Mushroom (Hypsizygus marmoreus): Substrate: Pasteurized hardwood sawdust or supplemented grain substrates.
11. Lions Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): Substrate: Pasteurized hardwood sawdust or supplemented grain substrates.
12. Chicken of the Woods Mushroom (Laetiporus sulphureus): Substrate: Grows on living or dead trees, particularly oak and other hardwoods.
13. Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus): Substrate: Pasteurized straw or sawdust supplemented with various agricultural wastes.
14. Black Poplar Mushroom (Agrocybe aegerita): Substrate: Pasteurized straw or hardwood sawdust.
15. Chestnut Mushroom (Pholiota adiposa): Substrate: Pasteurized straw or hardwood sawdust.

Keep in mind that the cultivation methods for each species may vary slightly, and it’s essential to conduct thorough research and follow best practices for successful cultivation. Additionally, market demand, quality control, and efficient production methods will play a significant role in making a mushroom cultivation business successful.

Mushrooms in the desert

You can grow exotic mushrooms in the desert.

Have a look at the video below for ideas…scroll to the chapter about Kadesh – about 9 minutes into the video.

Further learning:

Check out Jürgen Kynast and his company Mycelia in Belgium. He’s been a pioneer in growing mushrooms for many years.