Scientific name
Trametes versicolor
Description
Turkey Tail mushroom is a kind of polypore fungus that may be found all over the world. The word ‘Versicolor’ means various colors and accurately defines this fungus that exhibits a wide range of colors. Another name for this mushroom is false turkey tail mushroom because of its appearance like a turkey tail. The upper part of the cap has characteristic concentric rings of varying shades, with the border always being the lightest in color. A black coating covers the pale flesh beneath a layer of tomentum. The flesh is 1-3 mm thick and leathery in texture. The mature mushroom has bands with algal species growing on them, giving them a green appearance.
The Turkey tail mushroom has no stem and a rust-brown or deeper brown cap with black zones. Their cap is flat and is up to 8- 5 x 0.5-1 cm in size. It is frequently triangular or circular, with fine hair zones. The surface of the pore is pale- light brown. The pores are circular and get twisted and convoluted with age. There are about 3-8 pores per millimeter.
Habitat
The Turkey tail mushroom is endemic to North America. They are mostly found growing on deciduous trees, moist and old wooden trunks. They grow in the form of piles or tiles overlapping each other. They prefer to grow in groups or clusters.
Uses/Importance
Turkey tail mushroom is used to increase responsiveness to cancer medications and radiation. It is also claimed to treat muscular weakness, exhaustion, Urinary tract infections, and a variety of other problems.
These mushrooms are edible and typically safe to consume or use as a supplement. They have a slightly bitter taste but are not very mushroomy. These mushrooms do not have a particular odor. They contain intriguing compounds that have made them a long-time target for traditional cures. They have chemicals that have the ability to have antimicrobial or antibacterial effects such as sesquiterpene. It comprises the medicines polysaccharide krestin and peptide. These compounds may aid in the prevention of cancer and the enhancement of the immune system.
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