Grifola Frondosa
Further designations: Maitake, Klapperschwamm, Tanzender Pilz, Grifola frondosa, Laubporling, Hen-of-the-Woods, Kumotake
In China and Japan the Maitake is collected and eaten since 3000 before Christ. Its cultivation makes him today alongside the Shiitake one of the most popular edible mushrooms in Japan.
Grifola frondosa is often found at the base of the stem of oak and some other hardwood trees on warm, nutrient-rich and near groundwater situated sites. It occurs in parts of Europe, the Americas and in some regions of Asia; in Germany the rattling sponge is now very rare. Maitake is a colour inconspicuous fungus which is with its drab hats hardly to stand out from its surroundings – however specimens can weigh up to 50 kilograms.
To his various popular names various legends and traditions are centred which ultimately reflect all its popularity.