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Turkey Tail Fungus

Photo by SarahWhitt
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

Turkey Tail/Coriolus

A common tree fungus, turkey tail looks--not surprisingly--like a turkey's tail, with a stiff, rounded shape and bands of varying colors. In traditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail is used to strengthen vitality and improve liver function. Scientists have identified polysaccharides in turkey tail that enhance immunity and stimulate the body's natural cancer-fighting ability.

Species ID Suggestions

Turkey Tail Mushroom or Fungi

Comments (7)

You are welcome! A lot of my friends here in Maine are really interested in the medicinal value of plants and how important they be protected... I can barely tell a dandelion from chick weed so I am much relieved you checked in detail for yourself!
galewhale....I believe you are right! I found the following: Turkey Tail/Coriolus A common tree fungus, turkey tail looks--not surprisingly--like a turkey's tail, with a stiff, rounded shape and bands of varying colors. In traditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail is used to strengthen vitality and improve liver function. Scientists have identified polysaccharides in turkey tail that enhance immunity and stimulate the body's natural cancer-fighting ability. I also have another picture of it as well - it's a little lighter in color - more gray than brown, but according to pics I have located, it's also called Turkey Tail mushrooms or fungi. Again, thank you for your assistance! :)
Interesting, galewhale! I will research this & see what I can find. Thank you for the info to get me started!!
Are these a fungus called "turkey tail"? If so they have anti-cancer properties. Used for medicinal purposes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trametes_versicolor
Photographed
PublishedMay 2, 2011

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