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