From The Food Encyclopedia by Jacques Rolland and Carol Sherman
Also oyster cap, pleurote, pleurotte, shimeji, tree mushroom. A common name for Pleurotus ostreatus, an oyster-shaped fungus, which grows on tree trunks and rotting stumps in the wild, but is also commercially cultivated. It is available canned, dried or fresh; the latter can be found year-round in Asian markets. It has a slightly licorice scent and a peppery taste.
