Glowing Bitter Oyster (Panellus stipticus)

Description

The Glowing Bitter Oyster is a unique and fascinating mushroom that is sought after for its bioluminescent properties. While it is not widely cultivated, it can be grown by experienced cultivators with the proper knowledge and techniques.

Habitat:
The Glowing Bitter Oyster is a saprobic fungus that can be found growing in clusters on dead and decaying hardwoods, particularly oak and beech, in temperate regions.

Identification & Ecology:
The fruiting bodies of this mushroom are small, measuring 1-3 cm across and have a convex shape with a dark brown or blackish color. The gills are very close together and emit a green-yellow bioluminescent light when handled or bruised. It is edible, but with a bitter taste, hence the name “Bitter Oyster”.

Cultivation:
The Glowing Bitter Oyster is not commonly cultivated due to its slow growth rate and challenging cultivation techniques. However, it can be grown on sterilized hardwood sawdust with the addition of cornmeal, gypsum, and other nutrient supplements. It grows best in a controlled environment with a high humidity and temperature range of 20-25°C.