Polyporus umbellatus is an edible species of mushroom, found growing on roots of old beeches or oak (e.g.[1]). It is also called umbrella polypore.
Description
The fruit body is composed of numerous (sometimes several hundred) caps. They are 1–4 cm in diameter, deeply umbilicate, light brown, and form the extremities of a strong, many branched stalk. The compound fungus can be up to 40 cm in diameter.
The pores are narrow and white. The stalk is whitish grey, and originates from a strong, tuber-like nodule that is underground. The flesh is white, rather soft when young, although hardens with age.
Polyporus umbellatus may contain bioactive compounds with immunostimulating, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
References
^Kunca V., 2011: Ecology and incidence of Polyporus umbellatus in Slovakia. Czech Mycology 63(1): 39–53. [1]
^"Polyporus umbellatus". Midwest American Mycological Information. 2019-06-25. Retrieved 2022-11-09.
^Zhang YH, Liu YL, Yan SC (1991). "[Effect of Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharide on function of macrophages in the peritoneal cavities of mice with liver lesions]". Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 11 (4): 225–6, 198. PMID1773459.
^Lin YF, Wu GL (1988). "[Protective effect of Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharide on toxic hepatitis in mice]". Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 9 (4): 345–8. PMID3195347.