The scientific name is Pleurotus ostreatus. Strictly speaking, it is a fungus just like wood ears (taingang daga). The color is off-white, the topside of the cap is smooth while the underside is ridged (see the photo). It has a delicate aroma and flavor and only takes a few seconds to cook which makes it an ideal ingredient for Chinese-style stir fried dishes. It is a source of statin drugs used for lowering cholesterol levels