Trametes versicolor

Trametes versicolor

Trametes versicolor – also known as Coriolus versicolor and Polyporus versicolor – is a common polypore mushroom which can be found throughout the world. Polypore mushrooms are a group of fungi that form large fruiting bodies with pores or tubes on the underside.

Taxonomy

The Trametes versicolor was first described by Carl Linnaeus, who named it Boletus versicolor in 1753. The species has been known by several synonyms, including Polyporus versicolor and Coriolus versicolor. The current name, Trametes versicolor, was given by Lucien Quélet in 1886.

Description

Trametes versicolor is a polypore, meaning its spore-bearing surface is made up of many small tubes. The cap is up to 8 cm in diameter, with a leathery texture. The color is highly variable, with bands of different colors, which is the source of the species name "versicolor".

Habitat and distribution

Trametes versicolor is found throughout the world, growing on dead hardwood trees and logs. It is a saprophyte, deriving nutrients from decomposing wood.

Medicinal use

Trametes versicolor has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Modern research has investigated its potential in cancer treatment, particularly in boosting the immune system during chemotherapy.

See also

• List of Trametes species
• Medicinal mushrooms

References

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