Inonotus hispidus

Inonotus hispidus, commonly known as shaggy bracket, is a North American fungus and plant pathogen.

Inonotus hispidus
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Agaricomycetes
Order:	Hymenochaetales
Family:	Hymenochaetaceae
Genus:	Inonotus
Species:	I. hispidus
Binomial name
Inonotus hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst., (1880)
Synonyms
Boletus hirsutus Boletus spongiosus Boletus velutinus Boletus villosus Hemidiscia hispida Inodermus hispidus Inonotus hirsutus Phaeolus endocrocinus Phaeoporus hispidus Polyporus endocrocinus Polyporus hispidus Polystictus hispidus Xanthochrous hispidus

Inonotus hispidus Mycological characteristics
	Pores on hymenium
	No distinct cap
	Hymenium attachment is not applicable
	Lacks a stipe
	Spore print is brown
	Ecology is parasitic
	Edibility is inedible

Description

The fruit bodies are generally semicircular and lumpy, measuring 10–20 centimetres (4–8 in) across. They are orangish with a lighter margin when fresh, blackening in age. The flesh is orangish and the spore print is brown.^[1]

Similar species

Inonotus quercustris is more frequent to the south, with Ischnoderma resinosum and Laetiporus persicinus also being similar.^[1]

Habitat and distribution

It is found on oak and other hardwoods through eastern North America.^[1]

Uses

This fungus has been used in eastern Asia as a popular remedy for many illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and other stomach ailments.^[2] In modern pharmacology, it has aided in lowering blood glucose levels, showing anti-tumor responses and improving overall health in mice.^[3]