The April mushroom of the month is ๐๐ณ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฆ๐ด ๐ด๐ข๐ฏ๐จ๐ถ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ข, the The blood red bracket! Scroll to learn about this fascinating mushroom!
Congrats to Dr. Carole for naming that mushroom correctly and becoming the 1,319th member of Central Texas Mycology!
blood red bracket, Common Cinnabar Polypore
This vibrant white rot saprobic fungus was first identified on Guana Island (part of the Virgin Islands) but occurs throughout the tropics, usually growing on dead hardwoods in the form of a thin dry conk with a lateral attachment to its substrate. Bright orange on all surfaces with concentric zonation and minute pores on the underside are minute. It is inedible due to its tough texture but useful in many other ways.
as medicine
Traditional medicinal uses were first utilized by natives in surrounding areas of this species. The, used to relieve symptoms of arthritis, gout, styptic, sore throats, ulcers, tooth aches, fevers, and hemorrhages.
Cinnabarinic acid occurs in trace amounts naturally in the human brain. A study in 2020 researched the link between cinnabarinic acid levels and psychotic behaviors. More research needs to be done, but this flashy little polypore may hold hope in treating Touretteโs, schizophrenia, OCD, and PTSD.
industry & art
A pigment extracted from the caps called cinnabarin is used in textile industries for the partial and complete de-colorization of certain dyes. Other industrial uses of this species include testing methods for wood treatment products and enzymes used in bio-remediation for the breakdown of crude oils
Artists such as Chris Ritson have found inspiration in this bright polypore, creating unique and environmentally sustainable art that celebrates collaboration between artist and nature.