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'''Hericium''' is a genus of edible mushrooms known for their potential medicinal properties. They are commonly referred to as '''lion's mane mushrooms''' due to their unique appearance, resembling a lion's mane.
{{short description|Genus of fungi}}
{{Taxobox
| name = Hericium
| image = Hericium_coralloides_-_Male_Karpaty_I.jpg
| image_caption = ''Hericium coralloides''
| regnum = [[Fungi]]
| divisio = [[Basidiomycota]]
| classis = [[Agaricomycetes]]
| ordo = [[Russulales]]
| familia = [[Hericiaceae]]
| genus = '''''Hericium'''''
| genus_authority = [[Christian Hendrik Persoon|Pers.]]
}}


== Description ==
'''''Hericium''''' is a genus of [[fungi]] in the family [[Hericiaceae]]. These fungi are known for their distinctive appearance, often resembling a cluster of icicles or a lion's mane. They are found in temperate forests and are known for their culinary and medicinal uses.


Hericium mushrooms are characterized by their long, cascading spines, which are responsible for their distinctive appearance. They are typically white in color, although they can turn yellow with age. The mushrooms are found in North America, Europe, and Asia, and they grow on hardwood trees.
==Description==
''Hericium'' species are characterized by their unique fruiting bodies, which consist of long, hanging spines. These spines are typically white or cream-colored, although they may discolor with age. The fruiting bodies are often found on dead or dying hardwood trees, where they play a role in the decomposition process.


== Medicinal Uses ==
[[File:Soplówka_03_-_Centrum_Nauki_Kopernik_w_Warszawie.jpg|thumb|left|''Hericium erinaceus'' at the Copernicus Science Centre]]


Hericium mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have a number of health benefits, including improving cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. Recent scientific studies have supported some of these claims, although more research is needed.
==Species==
The genus ''Hericium'' includes several species, each with distinct characteristics:


=== Cognitive Function ===
* '''''[[Hericium erinaceus]]''''', commonly known as the lion's mane mushroom, is notable for its use in traditional medicine and as a gourmet ingredient.
* '''''[[Hericium coralloides]]''''', also known as the coral tooth fungus, is recognized by its branched, coral-like structure.
* '''''[[Hericium abietis]]''''', found primarily in North America, grows on coniferous trees.
* '''''[[Hericium americanum]]''''', similar to ''H. coralloides'', is distinguished by its longer spines.
* '''''[[Hericium cirrhatum]]''''', or the tiered tooth fungus, is known for its layered appearance.
* '''''[[Hericium clathroides]]''''', less commonly encountered, shares the icicle-like spines typical of the genus.


Hericium mushrooms contain two compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which are believed to stimulate the growth of brain cells. Some studies have suggested that these mushrooms may be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
[[File:Igelstachelbart,_Hericium_erinaceus.jpg|thumb|right|''Hericium erinaceus'']]


=== Inflammation and Immunity ===
==Ecology==
''Hericium'' species are saprotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter. They are typically found on hardwoods, such as oak, beech, and maple, although some species, like ''H. abietis'', prefer coniferous hosts. These fungi contribute to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems by breaking down lignin and cellulose in wood.


Hericium mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Some research has suggested that these mushrooms may be beneficial in the treatment of certain types of cancer, although more research is needed in this area.
==Uses==
''Hericium'' mushrooms are valued for both culinary and medicinal purposes. ''Hericium erinaceus'' is particularly popular in Asian cuisine and is believed to have neuroprotective properties. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to support cognitive health and improve digestive function.


== Culinary Uses ==
[[File:Hericium_abietis_109093.jpg|thumb|left|''Hericium abietis'']]


In addition to their medicinal uses, Hericium mushrooms are also prized for their culinary value. They have a seafood-like texture and a flavor that is often compared to lobster or shrimp. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.
==Cultivation==
Cultivation of ''Hericium'' species, especially ''H. erinaceus'', has become increasingly popular due to their health benefits and unique flavor. These mushrooms can be grown on sterilized sawdust or logs, and they require specific temperature and humidity conditions to fruit successfully.


== See Also ==
==Related pages==
* [[Fungi]]
* [[Basidiomycota]]
* [[Agaricomycetes]]
* [[Russulales]]


* [[Medicinal mushrooms]]
[[File:Hericium_americanum_Ginns_923240.jpg|thumb|right|''Hericium americanum'']]
* [[Traditional Chinese medicine]]
* [[Neurodegenerative diseases]]
* [[Antioxidants]]


== References ==
==Gallery==
 
<references />
 
{{stub}}
 
[[Category:Mushrooms]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Traditional Chinese medicine]]
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Soplówka_03_-_Centrum_Nauki_Kopernik_w_Warszawie.jpg|Hericium
File:Hericium_botryoides_GBIF_observation_2513152920_(cropped).jpg|''Hericium botryoides''
File:Igelstachelbart,_Hericium_erinaceus.jpg|Hericium
File:Mushroomtime_again^^_This_Hericium_cirrhatum_Syn._Creolophus_cirrhatus,_GB=_Tiered_Tooth_Fungus,_D=_Dorniger_stachelbart_Syn._Dorniger_Stachelseitling,_F=_Créolophe_ondulé,_NL=_Gelobde_pruikzwam)_grows_on_the_same_b_-_panoramio.jpg|''Hericium cirrhatum''
File:Hericium_abietis_109093.jpg|Hericium
File:Hericium_clathroides_(Scop.)_Pers._(15689953975).jpg|''Hericium clathroides''
File:Hericium_americanum_Ginns_923240.jpg|Hericium
File:Hericium_botryoides_GBIF_observation_2513152920_(cropped).jpg|Hericium
File:Mushroomtime_again^^_This_Hericium_cirrhatum_Syn._Creolophus_cirrhatus,_GB=_Tiered_Tooth_Fungus,_D=_Dorniger_stachelbart_Syn._Dorniger_Stachelseitling,_F=_Créolophe_ondulé,_NL=_Gelobde_pruikzwam)_grows_on_the_same_b_-_panoramio.jpg|Hericium
File:Hericium_clathroides_(Scop.)_Pers._(15689953975).jpg|Hericium
File:2009-09-25_Hericium_coralloides_(Scop.)_Pers_58068_crop.jpg|Hericium
File:Igelstachelbart,_Hericium_erinaceus.jpg|Hericium
File:Hericium_fimbriatum_GBIF_observation_1927782630_1.jpg|Hericium
File:Hericium_in_the_Karwendel_3.jpg|Hericium
File:Hericium_novae-zealandiae_204071753.jpg|Hericium
</gallery>
</gallery>
[[Category:Hericiaceae]]
[[Category:Fungi genera]]
[[Category:Edible fungi]]

Latest revision as of 14:11, 21 February 2025

Genus of fungi



Hericium is a genus of fungi in the family Hericiaceae. These fungi are known for their distinctive appearance, often resembling a cluster of icicles or a lion's mane. They are found in temperate forests and are known for their culinary and medicinal uses.

Description[edit]

Hericium species are characterized by their unique fruiting bodies, which consist of long, hanging spines. These spines are typically white or cream-colored, although they may discolor with age. The fruiting bodies are often found on dead or dying hardwood trees, where they play a role in the decomposition process.

Hericium erinaceus at the Copernicus Science Centre

Species[edit]

The genus Hericium includes several species, each with distinct characteristics:

  • Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as the lion's mane mushroom, is notable for its use in traditional medicine and as a gourmet ingredient.
  • Hericium coralloides, also known as the coral tooth fungus, is recognized by its branched, coral-like structure.
  • Hericium abietis, found primarily in North America, grows on coniferous trees.
  • Hericium americanum, similar to H. coralloides, is distinguished by its longer spines.
  • Hericium cirrhatum, or the tiered tooth fungus, is known for its layered appearance.
  • Hericium clathroides, less commonly encountered, shares the icicle-like spines typical of the genus.
Hericium erinaceus

Ecology[edit]

Hericium species are saprotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter. They are typically found on hardwoods, such as oak, beech, and maple, although some species, like H. abietis, prefer coniferous hosts. These fungi contribute to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems by breaking down lignin and cellulose in wood.

Uses[edit]

Hericium mushrooms are valued for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Hericium erinaceus is particularly popular in Asian cuisine and is believed to have neuroprotective properties. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to support cognitive health and improve digestive function.

Hericium abietis

Cultivation[edit]

Cultivation of Hericium species, especially H. erinaceus, has become increasingly popular due to their health benefits and unique flavor. These mushrooms can be grown on sterilized sawdust or logs, and they require specific temperature and humidity conditions to fruit successfully.

Related pages[edit]

Hericium americanum

Gallery[edit]

  • Hericium botryoides
    Hericium botryoides
  • Hericium cirrhatum
    Hericium cirrhatum
  • Hericium clathroides
    Hericium clathroides
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