Luminescent Panellus

Cultivation Level : – Easy
Substrates : – Wood/Sawdust/Logs
Temps : Colonizing/Fruiting – 65-80/60-75

Panellus stipticus is one of several dozen species of fungi that are bioluminescent. The luminescence is localized to the edges of the gills and the junction of the gills with the stem and cap. Bioluminescence is also observable with mycelia grown in laboratory culture, and the growth conditions for optimal light production have been studied in detail. Several chemicals have been isolated and characterized that are believed to be responsible for light production. Although not toxic, it is considered to be too bitter to be useful as an edible and is offered here stricktly as a novelty.