What is this mushroom-like thing 'growing' on a tree?

[Chilliboot]

Possibly if it were fresh and was definitely an edible variety such as beefsteak fungus.

I wouldn’t want to take any chances whatsoever with fungi

[Azz]

@Chelsea62

It rained all day so I never got out to take pictures of the mushrooms but they do look like shelf fungus. They aren’t considered edible but only due to their hardness however they are often ground up to use as teas. Apparently turkey tail mushrooms are a type of shelf fungus are definitely edible. They are even made into supplements.

Most shelf fungi are inedible because they are very tough . As a result, shelf fungi are ground into powder and used to make teas in herbal medicine. Another herbal shelf fungus is Turkey Tail, Trametes versicolor. One edible species is the sulfur shelf or chicken-of-the-woods, Laetiporus sulphureus.

Sorry I missed yours and @OldGreyFox’s posts earlier!

I didn’t know Turkey Tail mushrooms were hard as well (didn’t know any mushrooms were, lol!). I wonder whether Lion’s Mane mushrooms are too? I want to try those as well at some point…

@Chilliboot

I wouldn’t want to take any chances whatsoever with fungi

I’ve been hearing lots of good things about them recently, such as Lion’s Mane:

Summary: Active compounds in the edible Lion’s Mane mushroom can help promote neurogenesis and enhance memory, a new study reports. Preclinical trials report the compound had a significant impact on neural growth and improved memory formation. Researchers say the compound could have clinical applications in treating and preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Mushrooms Magnify Memory by Boosting Nerve Growth - Neuroscience News.

[AnnieS]

@Chilliboot

I wouldn’t want to take any chances whatsoever with fungi

I agree, playing with fire. I don’t mean human health but ecologically humans could wipe out entire species by disturbing them.

[Chelsea62]

Lion’s mane mushrooms have a soft, spongy texture and an internal structure similar to cauliflower, with branches extending from a single base. They are not hard like Shelf Fungus. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor is considered by many to be similar to crab or lobster.

They are used to help increase cognitive functioning. I take lions mane, cordyceps, reiki and turkey tail together as a pure powder mixed with my coffee. They make a significant difference to my health.

Note: I don’t forage my own mushrooms. I purchase them from Amazon. Lol
I agree with the others that you have to be really careful picking your own mushrooms

[spitfire]

@Azz

I didn’t know Turkey Tail mushrooms were hard

Nor did I, won’t be picking a fight with one of them

[OldGreyFox]

It’s good news that they can improve your memory…
Now where did I put my spectacles?..