Scientific name
Schizophyllum commune
Description
Common split gill is an elegant and attractive mushroom. The split-gill mushroom gets its name from the distinctive longitudinally divided structure of the “gills” on the bottom of the cap. The mushroom has the appearance of undulating waves of densely packed coral reefs or a loose fan-shaped. Their rudimentary stem is very short and frequently not seen above the surface of the substrate. The color of split gills ranges from pale yellow to light white. The cap is tiny, measuring 1-4 cm across, and has a solid but spongy body feel. Common split gill mushrooms develop in shelf-like formations with no stems. When the mushroom is dried, the gills, which generate basidiospores on their base, get split. It is commonly found in decaying wood. The mushrooms can be dry for decades before being rejuvenated by moisture. Split Gills can withstand numerous phases of rehydration and dehydration, allowing these mushrooms to exist on every continent except Antarctica.
Habitat
Common split gills can be seen in the wild on rotting trees following monsoon season followed by dry periods, in which the mushrooms are harvested organically. They are saprophytic and responsible for maintaining the rotting of wood. It grows in clusters on the dead limbs of deciduous trees and may be found across every continent. They are found in most areas of Ireland and Britain. It is widely distributed in the west but considerably less prevalent in the east and north. These tenacious tiny fungi are found all over the world and may be found on a variety of woods and other plant-based surfaces practically wherever in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and America.
Uses/Importance
The common split gill is well-known for its therapeutic properties and fragrant flavor character. It has lately caught the attention of the pharmaceutical industry due to its superior immunomodulatory, antineoplastic, antifungal, and antiviral activity compared to any other glucan complex carbohydrate. They are also beneficial for bioremediation. Split gill mushrooms are edible mushrooms that include iron, protein, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. They are also a great source of dietary fiber.
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