Grow your own panellus bio-luminescent mushrooms with liquid culture syringes!
Caution, these mushrooms are toxic and should not be eaten!
Uses
Panellus stipticus is native to Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.
Although it is not edible, it is being studied for its potential in bioremediation of
land that is contaminated and in converting industrial waste. A study using liquid
cultures of mycelia has shown reduction in the amount of toxic polyphenols in
waste water produced by olive-processing plants by 42% after 31 days. In
traditional Chinese medicine, the fruiting bodies have been used as a violent
purgative and to staunch bleeding.
Bio-luminescent panellus grows in clusters on logs, stumps and trunks of
deciduous trees such as oak, birch, maple and hickory. It grows in a fan like
shape up to 3 cm wide. It starts out as a tiny white knob, darkening to an orange,
yellow or brownish colored cap attached to the wood by a short stalk. The
bioluminescent part is mostly only at the ridges of the gills but does vary
depending what kind of wood it is growing on. It causes white rot by releasing
enzymes that break down the lignin in the wood. These enzymes are being
studied for their use in bioremediation.
Microscopic Features
Panellus stipticus fungi have smooth, sausage-shaped spores that may turn bluish after absorbing iodine. Projections known as sterigmata attach these spores to club-shaped, thin-walled spore-bearing cells.
These fungi also contain hyphal cells, which do not produce spores and are structurally different from the spore-bearing cells. Instead, they are cylindrical and spindle-shaped. Other microscopic features of Panellus stipticus include:
- Crowded pale tan gills that have a mesh-like appearance
- Kidney-shaped caps that become wrinkled as the fungus ages
- 0.3- to 2-centimeter long stem that is covered with silky fibrils
- White spore print
Fruit Body Development
The fruit bodies of Panellus stipticus first appear as small knobs that later grow horizontally. After one month, these knobs develop into brownish caps. These caps are usually attached to wood logs by short stalks.
The dorsal tissue of the caps continues to grow and later expands, exposing the gills just before the spores mature. The color of the caps continues to deepen as the fruit body continues to grow.
Habitat
Panellus stipticus is more common in the eastern part of North America than in the western part of North America. This small mushroom is also found in Central and Northern Europe and parts of New Zealand.
Bioluminescence
Panellus stipticus fungi are bioluminescent, meaning the mycelia produce light due to enzyme action. These mushrooms in particular do not put off as much luminosity as fireflies, for example, but they are still quite a sight to see. The amount of glow produced by these fungi depends on the contaminants available in the soil.
Genetics
According to research, the luminosity in Panellus stipticus is an inherited trait that may be missing due to mutation.
OutGrow® is proud to present a full line of edible and medicinal mushroom
cultures. Economically priced so that everyone can enjoy the wonderful hobby
and benefits of mushroom cultivation. Our cultures are made by experts and are
100% clean and viable.
The liquid culture syringes are between 10 and 12cc and are ready to inject to
your substrate of choice such as sterilized rye berries.
