Pyongyang, January 30 (KCNA) -- Among the regional specialties in the DPRK is Yangdok Songi mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake) growing in South Phyongan Province.

85 percent of the Yangdok area in the province consists of forests, and the forests are mainly covered with old pine trees suitable for the growth of Songi mushroom.

The Songi mushroom starts to come out from 15-16 year-old pine, especially from 40-60 year-old pine in the main.

The surface of this mushroom is pale yellow brown or dark brown and covered with fibrous scales. Its cap is 8-20 centimeters in diameter. It has white flesh with a peculiar aroma.

This nutritious mushroom is efficacious for treating various diseases like cancer.

Recorded in historical documents compiled in the 15th and 16th centuries is the mushroom as one of the famous specialties in Yangdok area. -0-