The Cerioporus squamosus, also known as Dryad’s Saddle and Polyporus squamosus, is a bracket fungus that produces a saddle-shaped mushroom. It is called Dryad’s Saddle because tree nymphs, from Greek mythology, were thought to sit and ride the mushroom through the forest. This fungus, like other Polyporales, decomposes trees and can be found on decaying and living deciduous trees. The Dryad’s saddle produces a heart rot in the wood of trees which results in the trunk of the tree to soften, weaken, and break more easily. The fruiting body of this fungus is edible and is used in cooking but only when it is young. As it matures, the mushroom becomes firm, tough, and rubbery. Within a few weeks, the fruiting body becomes infested with maggots and inedible.
The Cerioporus squamosus, commonly known as Dryad’s Saddle, is a fungus—part of the phylum Basidiomycota, order of Polyporales, and family of Polyporaceae. These fungi live on tree trunks, stumps, and logs. Dryad’s Saddle can grow on dead wood or on live wood, which the fungi will break down. These bad boys usually sprout 2-3 fruiting bodies, and they love white aspen and boxelder trees. The fruiting body of Dryad’s Saddle is edible when it is still a young fung; however, as Dryad’s Saddle matures, the mushroom becomes tough and cork-like—eventually, it will become infested with maggots and other bugs and be completely inedible.
Fun Fact: The name “Dryad’s Saddle” comes from Greek mythology-- these mushrooms are so big and round that tree nymphs (aka Dryads) were said to have ridden on them
Funner Fact: The genus Cerioporus is relatively new! Many fungi that were part of Polyporus (including Dryad’s Saddle) were re-classified into the Cerioporus genus after recent ‘phylogenic examination.’
Trametes versioclor, commonly known as the turkey tail fungus, has known properties to enhance immune responses. It is also known as the coriolus versicolor because of the color pattern similar to a turkey's tail. In fact, these mushrooms have been used to fight cancer as well. The practice of using turkey tail mushrooms for its anticancer practices is especially practiced in Asia. The turkey tail mushroom is high in antioxidants such as phenols which is why it is believed to have anticancer properties.
