Mushroom Mystery: Do They Bleed Or Not?

Believe it or not, some mushrooms do indeed bleed. The Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii), for example, oozes a red fluid when it is young and actively growing. This phenomenon is caused by a process similar to water seeping out of a plant's leaves when there is excess water in the soil. While the purpose of this bleeding is not fully understood, it provides an interesting method for identifying mushrooms, along with characteristics like bruising and colour.

The 'bleeding' phenomenon in mushrooms

Mushrooms do indeed bleed, and this phenomenon is an important feature to consider when identifying mushrooms. The process of bleeding in mushrooms is called guttation. This occurs when the soil surrounding the fungus becomes too wet, forcing water into the roots through osmosis. The water creates pressure within the organism, which eventually forces a gooey red liquid to the surface of the fungus. This phenomenon is most commonly exhibited by the Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii), which gets its name from the tooth-like spines beneath the "bleeding" cap, where its spores are produced. This mushroom is valued by natural dyers and has potential medicinal properties, but it is inedible due to its bitter taste.

The saffron milk cap (Lactarius deliciosus) is another example of a mushroom that bleeds. When the gills of this mushroom are cut, it bleeds orange. Some mushrooms also secrete coloured liquids when they are bruised, which can range from pink, blue, blue-green, purple, or even white latex that dries to a deeper yellow. The Indigo Milk Cap (Lactarius indigo), for instance, bleeds a deep dark vibrant blue-purple colour when cut. This mushroom is edible, although its obscure colour and leakage can make it unappetising to some.

The phenomenon of mushroom bruising and bleeding is not merely an interesting curiosity but also has practical applications in mushroom identification. By observing the colour of the liquid secreted by a mushroom when it is bruised or cut, it is possible to identify the mushroom's species. For example, if a mushroom bruises blue, it may be psychedelic and contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin. However, it is important to note that relying solely on bruising and bleeding for mushroom identification can be dangerous and irresponsible.

The study of mushroom bruising and bleeding has also led to scientific discoveries beyond simple identification. German researchers, for instance, recently discovered the cause of blue bruising in psychedelic mushrooms, ending decades of speculation. Furthermore, scientists have found that extracts from the Bleeding Tooth Fungus contain the chemical compound atromentin, which has anti-coagulant and anti-bacterial properties. This extract may be useful in treating bacterial pneumonia and possibly Alzheimer's disease, as the fungus also contains thelephoric acid.

Identifying mushrooms through bruising and bleeding

One example of a mushroom that can be identified through bruising and bleeding is the Lactarius deliciosus, or saffron milk cap. When bruised, the mushroom turns green, but when cut, it bleeds orange. Another example is the Agaricus bisporus, or white button mushroom, which bruises pinkish. The Psilocybe cubensis, a hallucinogenic mushroom, bruises blue or blue-green on its stems, although it should be noted that not all hallucinogenic mushrooms bruise blue. The Russula rubescens bruises reddish and then slowly turns black, while the Mycena haematopus bleeds purple. The Lactarius helvus, or maple syrup milky cap, bleeds a colourless latex that smells like maple syrup, and the Lactarius chrysorrheus bleeds white latex that dries to a deeper yellow.

Some mushrooms, such as the Lactarius indigo, do not simply bruise blue but also bleed blue. This mushroom is edible, although its obscure colour and leaking liquid can make it unappetising to some. The blue coloration in Lactarius indigo does not come from the presence of psilocin, and researchers speculate that the mushroom produces this latex to deter predatory pests and parasites.

One of the most well-known mushrooms that "bleed" is the Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii). This mushroom gets its name from its appearance, which resembles a bloody tooth. When young and actively growing, the mushroom appears to bleed a red liquid from its pores, although this is actually caused by a process called guttation, where water is forced into the roots of the fungus through osmosis when the surrounding soil becomes too wet. This creates pressure, eventually forcing the liquid to the surface of the fungus. While the exact composition of this liquid is unknown, scientists believe that its red colour comes from a pigment found within the fungus. The Bleeding Tooth Fungus is valued by natural dyers, who use it to create beige and blue-green dyes, and it has also been studied for its potential medicinal properties, including its use as an anti-coagulant and for treating bacterial pneumonia and Alzheimer's disease.

The different colours mushrooms bruise or bleed

Mushrooms can "bleed" and this phenomenon can be used as an aid to identify mushrooms. While it is not a reliable identification tool on its own, it can provide valuable insights into their species and safety. Here are some examples of mushrooms that exhibit different colours of bruising or bleeding:

White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

The white button mushroom, commonly found in grocery stores, usually bruises to a pinkish colour.

Saffron Milk Cap (Lactarius deliciosus)

The saffron milk cap mushroom bruises green when touched, but when cut, the gills bleed orange without changing colour.

Maple Syrup Milky Cap (Lactarius helvus)

This mushroom bleeds a colourless latex that has a distinct maple syrup smell.

Boletus campestris

This mushroom bruises blue or blue-green. Many yellow-pored boletes exhibit similar bruising.

Psilocybe cubensis

The stems of this hallucinogenic mushroom bruise blue or blue-green. However, it is important to note that not all hallucinogenic mushrooms bruise blue.

Russula rubescens

This mushroom bruises reddish and then slowly turns black.

Mycena haematopus

This mushroom bleeds a purplish colour.

Lactarius chrysorrheus

Lactarius chrysorrheus bleeds a white latex substance that dries to a deeper yellow colour.

Gyroporus cyanescens

When the cap of this mushroom is cut, the variegatic acid present in the mushroom converts to the blue-coloured molecule quinone methide due to the interaction with oxygen in the air.

Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybe)

Magic mushrooms, also known as Psilocybe, instantly develop a blue colour when cut or bruised. This colour change is due to the presence of psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin.

Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii)

The Bleeding Tooth Fungus is a unique mushroom that "bleeds" a red fluid when it is young and actively growing. This phenomenon is caused by a process similar to water seeping out of a plant's leaves when there is excess water in the soil. The red colour is attributed to a pigment found within the fungus. As the mushroom matures, it loses its red sap and becomes dull in appearance.

Why mushrooms bruise or bleed

Mushrooms can ooze out a red fluid when they are young and actively growing. This phenomenon is known as guttation, which occurs when the soil surrounding the fungus becomes very wet, forcing water into the roots through osmosis. The pressure created by the excess water inside the fungus results in the "bleeding" effect. This fluid is not harmful, but it is important to identify mushrooms correctly before consumption as some can be toxic or hallucinogenic.

The ability to bruise or bleed is one of the characteristics used to identify mushrooms. For example, the Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom) usually bruises pinkish, while the Psilocybe cubensis (a hallucinogenic mushroom) bruises blue or blue-green. The Russula rubescens bruises reddish and then slowly turns black.

Some mushrooms, like the Lactarius deliciosus (saffron milk cap), exhibit both bruising and bleeding characteristics. When bruised, it turns green, but when cut, it bleeds orange without changing colour. The Lactarius indigo, also known as the Indigo Milk Cap, is another example of a mushroom that bleeds a deep dark vibrant blue-purple colour. Interestingly, this mushroom is edible, although its obscure colour and leaking may make it less appealing to some.

The colour of the "blood" in mushrooms can vary, with some mushrooms bleeding white, orange, purple, or even a milky blue latex. While the cause of blue bruising in psychedelic mushrooms was a mystery for a long time, German researchers have recently discovered that it is due to the presence of psilocybin and psilocin, the chemical compounds responsible for the psychoactive effects of certain mushroom species.

The uses of the Bleeding Tooth Fungus

The Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii) has several potential uses, despite its sinister appearance and incredibly bitter taste.

Firstly, it is valued by natural dyers, who dry the mushroom to create a beige dye. When combined with certain substances, such as alum or iron, the dye can be set into fabric and other surfaces, resulting in blue-green hues.

Secondly, the fungus has potential medicinal properties. Scientists have discovered that extracts from the Bleeding Tooth Fungus contain a chemical compound called atromentin, which has anticoagulant properties and can be used to prevent blood clots from forming. Atromentin also has antibacterial and even anticancer properties, and may be an option for treating bacterial pneumonia. In addition, the fungus contains thelephoric acid, a chemical that could be used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

The presence of the Bleeding Tooth Fungus in a forest is also indicative of a rich biodiversity. It has a symbiotic relationship with coniferous trees, which provide the fungus with carbon dioxide, while the fungus helps the trees better absorb amino acids and minerals in the soil.

Finally, the dramatic appearance of the Bleeding Tooth Fungus has inspired a range of colourful names, such as Devil's Tooth, Strawberries and Cream, and Bloody Tooth. Its unusual appearance has also made it a fascinating subject for mycologists and naturalists alike.

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