13 Fungi Factoids

The "yellow brain fungus" (Tremella mesenterica) looks like a glob of bright yellow jelly and grows on dead and decaying wood. (Source: Fungi Perfecti)

The "ink cap" (Coprinopsis atramentaria) is a type of mushroom that can cause a disulfiram-like reaction if consumed with alcohol, causing nausea, vomiting, and headache. (Source: American Family Physician)

The "weeping widow" (Lacrymaria lacrymabunda) is a small, delicate mushroom that can be found growing on rotting logs and tree stumps. (Source: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)

Some mushrooms, such as the "turkey tail" (Trametes versicolor), are being studied for their potential use in cancer treatment. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

The "blewit" (Lepista nuda) is a type of mushroom that is highly prized by mushroom hunters for its nutty flavor and meaty texture. (Source: Mother Earth News)

Some mushrooms, such as the "reishi" (Ganoderma lucidum), have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are believed to have immune-boosting properties. (Source: Healthline)

Some mushrooms, such as the "chaga" (Inonotus obliquus), are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful in treating chronic inflammation-related diseases. (Source: Healthline)

The "honey fungus" (Armillaria mellea) is a type of mushroom that grows on living and dead trees and is one of the largest and most destructive plant pathogens in the world. (Source: Forest Pathology)

Some mushrooms, such as the "lions mane" (Hericium erinaceus), have been shown to have anti-depressant properties and may be helpful in treating depression and anxiety. (Source: Healthline)

The "coral mushroom" (Ramaria spp.) is a type of mushroom that grows in a branching, coral-like structure and is often brightly colored. (Source: Mycological Society of America)

Some mushrooms, such as the "maitake" (Grifola frondosa), have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties and may be helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease. (Source: Healthline)

The "ghost fungus" (Omphalotus nidiformis) glows in the dark, emitting a greenish-blue light that is caused by a chemical reaction in the mushroom's cells. (Source: Atlas Obscura)

Some mushrooms, such as the "black trumpet" (Craterellus cornucopioides), have a distinctive, trumpet-shaped cap and are highly prized by chefs for their delicate, earthy flavor. (Source: The Spruce Eats)