Inonotus hispidus, commonly known as shaggy bracket, is a fungus and plant pathogen found in Europe, Asia and North America.

Description

The fruit bodies are generally semicircular and lumpy, measuring across. They are orangish with a lighter margin when fresh, blackening in age. The flesh is orangish and the spore print is brown.

Similar species

Inonotus quercustris is more frequent to the south, with Ischnoderma resinosum and Laetiporus persicinus also being similar.

Habitat and distribution

It is found on oak and other hardwoods through eastern North America.

Uses

This fungus has been used in eastern Asia as a popular remedy for many illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and other stomach ailments. In modern pharmacology, it has aided in lowering blood glucose levels, showing anti-tumor responses and improving overall health in mice.

References

External links

• Index Fungorum

• USDA ARS Fungal Database