Wild cauliflower mushroom in Yunnan province. [Photo/kunming.cn]

Cauliflower mushroom, also known as Sparassis, is a rare species native to Yunnan. It grows among pine forests in the western and central parts of the province during the rainy season (June and July).

The appearance of the cauliflower mushroom can be compared somewhat to a sea sponge, a brain, or a head of cauliflower – from which it has been given its popular name. The mushroom is predominantly black, with a thin layer of white color on its extremities.

A popular way of enjoying the mushroom is to fry it with green peppers or eggs. The mushroom can also be preserved by drying it out or canning it.

Edited by Jacob Hooson