false matsutake; Tricholoma bakamatsutake
A mushroom species that resembles matsutake but is considered inferior in flavor; the name literally means 'fool's matsutake'.
The false matsutake resembles the true matsutake, but its aroma is weaker.
At this time of year, you can sometimes find false matsutake in the mountains.
The highly prized true matsutake mushroom, known for its strong spicy aroma. バカマツタケ is a similar-looking but less aromatic species.
Katakana spelling is common for this mushroom name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the word is usually written in kana.
The name is a compound of 馬鹿 (ばか, 'fool') and 松茸 (まつたけ, 'matsutake mushroom'), referring to a mushroom that looks like matsutake but is considered inferior.