About Cyttaria hariotii E.Fisch.
Cyttaria hariotii E.Fisch. is an edible mushroom that is commonly known by the names llao llao, llaullao, and pan de indio. This fungus is found in Patagonia, which spans southern Chile and Argentina. It is a parasitic species that grows on Nothofagus, also called southern beech, trees. The fungus infects its host tree internally, growing within the tree’s sap ducts. In response to the infection, the tree forms galls to bypass blockages in sap flow caused by the fungus. After infecting the gall, the fungus spreads from the gall to other parts of the tree. It grows on the tree’s branches in a form that resembles a fruit. Cyttaria hariotii is an excellent edible mushroom with a sweet flavor, and it is used to make desserts, sweets, and even ice creams.
