Mushroom Plant on Real World Gardener radio show

KITCHEN GARDEN SEGMENT on REAL WORLD GARDENER radio show

Scientific Name: Rungia klossii

Common name: Mushroom plant

Family: Acanthaceae

Origin: New Guinea

 

Rungia klossii is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m x 0.6 m at a medium rate.

Soils: Suitable for: light or sandy, medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 

 

Habitat: Mushroom plant can grow in semi-shade but not full sun in an Australian summer. It prefers dry or moist soil if grown in the ground otherwise growing in a pot is very successful.

Description:The shiny mid green have a yellowish mid-rib. 

The elliptic leaves are arranged in pairs with adjacent pairs perpendicular to one another (decussate leaf arrangement mush like in a hydrangea).

Flowers: Blue flowers that appear in a cluster in ideal positions.

proteins. Harvesting: The Mushroom plant can be harvested all year round, but the best is to harvest during the active growth period to provide a bushy growth.

Uses: In the kitchen it's used in salads, soups and wok dishes, a small cooking even increases the mushroom aroma.

Frosts: Low frosts are tolerated but lead to leaf loss. 

Fun fact: Higher in protein that actual mushrooms.

What is it exactly and why is it called mushroom plant.

Let's star with, how do you love your mushrooms? In a risotto, sautéed with scrambled eggs, in soups or salads? Perhaps you don’t like them at all. Here’s a way to enjoy the taste without the texture and it’s all natural.

The leaves are somewhat stiff and lightly curled at the tip.

Yes, the leaves taste like mushrooms with a crispy texture and nothing more.

Rungia klossii: Mushroom plant Mushroom plant Photo: M Cannon

So, let’s find out how and why, by listening to the podcast. I've been talking with Corinne Mossati, founder of the gourmantic garden. /https://thegourmanticgarden.com/ Corinne's favourite use of the plant is finely chopped into salads for that burst of flavour. Mushroom plant is a perennial that although it grows well in tropical and sub-tropical areas, it needs protection from frost in cooler climates. The best way to grow it there is in a pot, which by the way, has served me well over the years. If you have any feedback email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675