Llao Llao, the Patagonian Tangerine

November 24th, 2008 Posted in flora

Written by Shanie

Bariloche’s lush and influential neighborhood, Llao Llao (pronounced zshaou-zshaou), is named after a unique-looking, orange, spongy fungus that enjoys making the healthy Patagonian forests its home. It especially likes Coihue trees. The bubble-like clusters adhere to the tree’s branches, sometimes forming “knots” reaching over three feet in width.

This cartoon fungus also goes by the name Pan del Indio or Cyttaria Darwinni. The word llao means “sweet” in Mapuche.

The sherbet colored balls are edible. When unripe they are white and tasteless. With time they gain their tangerine appearance, ending with a sweet and juicy center.

For me, they remind me of Christmas tree decorations. They’re a little present from Mother Nature.

  1. 8 Responses to “Llao Llao, the Patagonian Tangerine”

  2. By steve on Nov 25, 2008

    no way, they’re edible?! soooo, have you guys tried em yet? can’t say they really called out my name to be eaten.

  3. By Patagonia on Nov 25, 2008

    Hola Esteban,

    We are waiting for the Grateful Dead to play down here, then we will try them.

    Suerte, Jamie

  4. By jblaha on Nov 25, 2008

    very interesting!

  5. By Meg on Mar 6, 2011

    Ate tons of these while backpacking for 3 months through Patagonia. Sweet & juicy!

  6. By Shanie Matthews on Mar 6, 2011

    Hi Meg! Really! That’s awesome to hear! Thanks for commenting.

  7. By jesseca brooks on Dec 3, 2012

    huh no way hoza that looks so discusful but its yummy i dont get it could you plese tell me why ugly fruits in africa where i am from taste so great and ripe. but also rufff.

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