Icicle Mushroom Facts
- Perhaps most notably, the highly distinctive term Icicle Mushroom serves as the most often used common name for any of the fungi in the genus Hericium. Regardless of its unusual appearance, though, all known members of this genus remain edible, though tastes differ.
- The general name understandably derives from the unmistakable resemblance of its underlying structure to hanging icicles, or, in the minds of some people, cave-based stalactites. For the moment, though, researchers classify a total of 28 species within this fascinating genus.
- The different members of this interesting genus also bear numerous other, and rather extremely colorful, common names. These distinctive monikers include the terms lion’s mane, the bear’s head, and the monkey’s head, to go along with their respective scientific names.
- The first known scientific description of these visually distinctive mushrooms additionally due to the efforts of the widely respected South African mycologist, Christian Hendrick Persoon. To the ceaseless amazement of some, he actually made this identification in the year 1794.
- The visually intriguing Icicle Mushroom does have some modern commercial uses, though. In some portions of the world, this remarkable fungus can also be found in extensive cultivation as a food source. This usage of the wonder most notably takes place in the country of China.
- Presently, each of the species comprising this genus holds different statuses with the IUCN. These range from Least Concern to Critically Endangered. These appear on the organization’s published Red List of Threatened Species. The major threat to all consists of climate change.
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Icicle Mushroom Physical Description
Virtually all forms of the amazing Icicle Mushroom have one thing in common. That’s the fact that they rarely fail to capture the attention of those individuals who encounter them. Between them, however, this appeal occurs due to a variety of reasons, due to their varied physical appearances.
Given the existence of their multiple and greatly different forms, one fact understandably stands out. That’s the truth that one simple description of their forms remains impossible. Nevertheless, certain basic physical characteristics and attributes still remain common and basic to the group.
All known examples of this marvel of Nature and evolution display either branched or unbranched clumps of hanging spines, known as teeth, that grow downward. The majority of other recognized species of fungi develop structures known to science by various terms, such as caps and gills.
Impressively, the overall texture of these spines also changes over the passage of time. When young, this part of the fungus possesses a soft, fleshy texture. As it ages, however, these become tougher and brittle. In color, it’s typically white to creamy, sometimes yellowing with age or when bruised.
The so-called spines of the differing types of Icicle Mushroom also naturally vary in their length. In most cases, these range from 0.4 – 2 in (1 – 5 cm), though some do grow longer. These grow long and slender, as well. Each generally tends to hang vertically, giving a shaggy or bearded appearance.
Obviously, though, some variations in form do occur in the multiple members of this Genus. Some species form a single unbranched mass of spines. Others, meanwhile, manifest a branched coral-like structure with spines projecting outward. Their white spores range from cylindrical to ellipsoid.
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Basidiomycota
- Class: Agaricomycetes
- Order: Russulales
- Family: Hericiaceae
- Genus: Hericium
Icicle Mushroom Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The various forms of the Icicle Mushroom thrive in most of the multiple temperate and tropical portions of the surface of the world. The greatest number of currently known species evolved in three regions of the world, however. This makes it among the most widely spread of all fungi.
More specifically, these intriguingly expansive zones of habitation consist of the widespread continents of Asia, South America, and North America. However, wherever the wonder of evolution appears, its habitat type should come as no great surprise to anyone at all familiar with mushrooms.
That’s because, as remains the case for many of its related species across the globe, this type of fungus also prefers to grow in dark, comparatively moist locations. Most examples commonly, though not exclusively, this variety of mushroom appears on the trunks of dead or dying trees.
When, as remains typical, the always attention-grabbing Icicle Mushroom appears on the trunks of dead trees, a somewhat unexpected pattern manifests itself. That holds true due to a distinctly uncommon occurrence. That’s due to the notably uncommon fact that it usually grows near the top.
For the moment, the precise reason for this frequently displayed preference of placement remains a mystery to researchers. Ongoing research may one day change that, though. This remarkable fungus also plays a key role in most folk medicine throughout Asia, most notably in Japan and China.
While all known varieties remain fully edible for humans, those varieties native to both China and North America generally rank as the most palatable. Yet, the greatest consumption of this particular type of mushroom occurs in China. It still remains rarely consumed outside of this region.
Species Sharing Its Range
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