A prized wild mushroom of the pine and oak forests of Kham and Kongpo, exported abroad and an important source of cash for Tibetan villages.
- Group: Fungus
- Plant type: Fungus lichen
- Habitats: Pine and oak forest
- Regions: Kham
Habitat and distribution
Mixed forest in south-eastern Tibet; Winkler (2008) describes it as the most important culinary mushroom in Nyingtri (Ch: Nyingchi) and southern Chamdo.
Recorded in Kham.
Ecological and cultural significance
A mycorrhizal fungus that lives in partnership with the roots of pines and oaks. Winkler reports that the matsutake trade softened the loss of income after the 1998 logging ban.
Threats
The IUCN lists deforestation in south-western China, pine diseases and nitrogen pollution among threats to the species worldwide.
Conservation
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN (global assessment).