1.It is well recognised that the taxonomy of the genus Pleurotus is confusing as many species have been given several names (synonyms) and can be divided into subspecies. Guzmán (2000) reviewed the taxonomy of the Pleurotus genus, scrutinizing more than 230 publications and concluded that it was necessary to revise several described species as well as describe new species based on modern methodology. Over the last two hundred years more than 1000 names have been proposed in the genus but it is agreed that the number of species is much more limited. Furthermore, the species can be divided into several sections or subgenera. Further discussion on the taxonomy and natural distribution of the wild Pleurotus mushrooms can be found in the OECD consensus document on the biology of Pleurotus species (oyster mushrooms) (OECD, 2005).