Scientific name
Hericium erinaceus
Description
The Icicle mushrooms are beautiful and fragile mushrooms that are also called Coral tooth fungi because of their appearance. Their fruit bodies are usually laterally connected to their substrate or host tree and have short stems. The spines of these mushrooms which may be grouped in clusters or, more frequently, in rows, hang down and are immediately distinguishable in mature specimens. When they are immature, they frequently start as a single clump and grow their branches as they mature, accurate identification of these specimens might be more challenging. They lack caps and are composed of many gloeopleurous hyphae containing oil droplets as well as spiky amyloid spores. Their spores are smooth or coated with extremely small warts, ranging in size from round to elliptical.
Habitat
Icicle mushrooms are native to the northern parts of the world. They inhabit Asia, Europe, and North America. They are mostly found in alpine and deciduous forests. They preferably grow on old wood logs, shaded and dark regions of the forests.
Uses/Importance
Icicle fungus is essential to forest ecology. They referred to as saprotrophs, are engaged in the decomposition of wood. They break down wood to release nutrients for use by crustaceans and other species before returning the nutrient to plants. These unusual deadwood fungi serve as a model for other smaller creatures that depend on this habitat and are indicative of a complex ecosystem connected with big rotting wood.
It is well-known as a significant medicinal fungus and is used for many years in traditional and holistic Chinese medicine to cure a variety of illnesses. It includes substances that are useful in fighting cancer, dementia, anxiety, stress, and memory problems. Additionally, it is said to have wound-healing abilities. It is a fungus that can be eaten and is a common dish in Japan and China.
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