Michael Davis
Mushrooms have been used for dyeing for centuries, with the practice being traced back to as early as the 15th century. One such mushroom used for this purpose is the 'dyer's polypore' or Phaeolus schweinitzii, which has odd yellow-green pores that turn brown. This mushroom is used to dye clothing and creates a beautiful range of colours from yellow to green to orange to brown, depending on its stage in life. Polypores, also called bracket or shelf fungi, are a morphological group of gilled mushrooms and hydnoid fungi that form large fruiting bodies called conks, which are typically woody, circular, shelf- or bracket-shaped, with pores or tubes on the underside. They are mainly found on trees and woody debris and may resemble mushrooms. Some polypores are edible, such as the 'chicken of the woods', while others like the lingzhi mushroom are used in Chinese medicine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Polypore Colour Change | Some polypores change colour as they age, e.g. Phaeolus schweinitzii (Dyer's Polypore) changes from yellow to green to orange to brown. |
| Mushroom Identification | Nicking the top and bottom of the cap can indicate a colour change. Fresh mushrooms are best for testing. |
| Mushroom Dyeing | Mushrooms have been used for dyeing for centuries. Different colours can be obtained by adjusting the pH and using different mordants. |
| Polypore Conservation | Polypores are important for forest inventories and conservation work. Deforestation and forest management can lead to a decline in polypore abundance and diversity. |
| Polypore Characteristics | Polypores are a group of gilled mushrooms and hydnoid fungi that form large fruiting bodies (conks) with pores or tubes on the underside. They are mainly found on trees and woody debris. |
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What You'll Learn
Polypore mushrooms are used for dyeing
Polypore mushrooms have been used for dyeing for centuries. In her book, 'Natural Dyes', Dominique Cardon records some historical use of mushrooms for dyeing in North Africa, dating back to the 15th century. Cardon also mentions that Inonotus hispidus is used by Spanish mushroom dyers near Barcelona, Spain.
Phaeolus schweinitzii, commonly known as Dyer's Polypore, is a popular mushroom for dyeing. It is easy for beginners to identify and produces a beautiful range of colours, from yellow to green to orange to brown, depending on its stage of life. To use this mushroom for dyeing, it should be broken into small chunks and soaked in water if dried. The dye vat does not require any pH adjustments, and the colour change is quick and powerful. The colour can be shifted from yellow to green or from orange to brown by soaking the mushroom chunks in an iron after-bath.
Inonotus hispidus, a large annual polypore found on oak trees in eastern North America, is another mushroom used for dyeing. It produces a range of shades, from deep burnt orange to red-orange, golden orange, and yellow golds. To achieve the best colour, the pH should be adjusted to 8-9 within the first 10 minutes of cooking the mushroom.
Other mushrooms used for dyeing include Cortinarius semisanguineus and C. sanguineus, which can dye wool a dusty pink, and the three genera of Hydnellum, Phellodon, and Sarcodon in the Thelephoraceae family, which can produce teals, blue-greens, greens, and greys.
When using mushrooms for dyeing, it is important to select the appropriate type of fibre and prepare it by scouring the fabric to remove surfactants. Additionally, the fibre should be mordanted before dyeing to ensure that the colour binds with the material. Mushroom dye baths should be cooked in a well-ventilated area and separate from kitchen cooking tools, as they can produce a strong odour.
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They change colour when damaged
Mushrooms exhibit a fascinating phenomenon of changing colour when damaged or injured. This colour change is caused by a chemical reaction that occurs when certain compounds in the cell walls of the mushroom are exposed to air. For instance, when the Gyroporus cyanescens mushroom is damaged, the variegatic acid in the cell walls reacts with oxygen in the air, converting to the blue-coloured molecule quinone methide. This results in the mushroom staining a dark blue, almost black colour.
Another intriguing example is the Hapalopilus nidulans mushroom, which instantly changes to a bright purple colour when exposed to KOH (potassium hydroxide) or ammonia. This unique characteristic has been utilised by people creating dyes, as the purple colour can be transferred from the mushroom to wool fibres, resulting in a deep purple to bright lavender hue.
Some mushrooms, like the Lactarius genus, are known for "bleeding" when damaged. For instance, the saffron milk cap (Lactarius deliciosus) turns green when bruised, but when its gills are cut, it bleeds orange without changing colour. This "bleeding" is believed to be a defence mechanism, as the bitter-tasting latex dries and forms a protective coating around the injury, preventing the entry of bacteria and other contaminants.
While colour change can be one method for identifying mushrooms, it is important to note that it is not a completely reliable method, as there are variations, and older mushrooms may not exhibit the same colour changes as fresh ones. Additionally, some mushrooms may have similar colour changes but differ in other characteristics, such as pore structure, which is crucial for accurate identification.
The colour change in mushrooms when damaged is not limited to just blue or purple. Some mushrooms may turn black, purple, or red, and this rapid reaction to oxygen is a fascinating aspect of mushroom biology.
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They have medicinal qualities
Polypore mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are actively studied for their medicinal properties and potential industrial applications. They have been used as remedies for all kinds of ailments across the globe.
Some polypore species have been identified as having medicinal qualities, such as the Ganoderma lucidum, also known as the Lingzhi mushroom or Reishi. This species has been studied for its potential to enhance immune function, promote overall well-being, and reduce stress. Another species with medicinal properties is the Trametes versicolor, also known as the Turkey Tail. Turkey Tail mushrooms are widely studied for their medicinal qualities and have traditionally been used to relieve gout, arthritis, and rheumatism.
The Birch Polypore, or Piptoporus betulinus, is believed to have medicinal benefits, too. It is said to be antiviral and studies have shown it could help prevent the reproduction of HIV cells and treat infections such as the flu, yellow fever, and encephalitis. This mushroom may also help fight tumors, as it can aid in the destruction of cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.
Polypores are also used to create dyes for wool. The Inonotus hispidus, for example, dyes wool a strong burnt orange or dark khaki green/brown, depending on the mordant used.
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They are parasitic and saprotrophic
Polypore mushrooms are known to exhibit a range of colours, and some species are even used for dyeing. For example, Phaeolus schweinitzii, also known as "the dyer's polypore", has odd yellow-green pores that turn brown and can be used to dye clothing. Inonotus hispidus, a large annual polypore found on oak trees in eastern North America, is another example of a mushroom used for dyeing. Its colour ranges from deep burnt orange to yellow gold, and it is used by mushroom dyers near Barcelona, Spain, and in North Africa.
While the colour changes in polypore mushrooms are visually intriguing, there is another fascinating aspect to these fungi: their ecological roles as parasites and saprotrophs. Parasitism and saprotrophism are two distinct nutritional strategies that play crucial roles in ecosystems. Understanding these roles provides insight into the complex adaptations of organisms for survival.
Firstly, polypore mushrooms can be parasitic. Parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host organism and obtain their nutrition from it. While some parasites may have a relatively benign relationship with their hosts, others can negatively impact their host's health and behaviour. Parasitism can influence population dynamics and the health of host populations. Some polypore mushrooms are parasitic, such as Inonotus hispidus, which grows on living trees.
On the other hand, many polypore mushrooms are saprotrophic. Saprotrophs, also known as saprophytes, obtain their nutrition from dead and decaying organic matter. They contribute to the decomposition process and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Unlike parasites, saprotrophs do not harm living creatures and instead help recycle nutrients. Most polypore mushrooms are saprotrophic, decomposing organic waste and releasing nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon into the soil or water for plants and other organisms to utilise.
The distinction between parasitism and saprotrophism in polypore mushrooms highlights their diverse ecological roles and adaptations. While some species have evolved to obtain nutrients from living hosts, others have specialised in breaking down dead organic material, contributing to the recycling of essential elements in their environments. This dual nature of polypore mushrooms showcases the complexity and versatility of these fascinating organisms.
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They are dependent on trees for survival
Polypore mushrooms, also called bracket or shelf fungi, are a morphological group of mushrooms that form large fruiting bodies called conks. Conks are typically woody, circular, shelf- or bracket-shaped, with pores or tubes on the underside. They are mainly found on trees (living and dead) and coarse woody debris and may resemble mushrooms. Some polypores are said to have medicinal qualities.
Almost all polypores are dependent on trees for their survival. They inhabit tree trunks or branches and consume the wood. Some soil-inhabiting species form mycorrhiza with trees. For example, the species Echinodontium ballouii has been found only in Atlantic white cedar swamps in the Northeastern USA, and Bridgeoporus nobilissimus is found in the Northwestern USA. These species have a restricted range, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
Deforestation and intensive forest management cause declines in polypore abundance and diversity. Regional extinctions can happen relatively quickly and have been documented, such as Antrodia crassa in North Europe. Polypores can decline for many reasons, including their dependence on a single host or a very specific habitat.
Some polypores are parasitic, saprotrophic, or both. One common genus, Ganoderma, can grow large thick shelves that may contribute to the death of the tree, and then feed off the wood for years afterward. Their hardiness means they are very resilient and can live for a long time.
Some polypores are edible, such as the "chicken of the woods" variety, while others, like the lingzhi mushroom, are used in Chinese medicine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some polypore mushrooms change colour. For example, Phaeolus schweinitzii, commonly known as Dyer's Polypore, changes colour from yellow to green to orange to brown depending on its stage in life.
Polypore mushrooms change colour due to a chemical reaction that occurs when certain compounds in the cell walls of the mushroom are exposed to air.
In addition to Dyer's Polypore, the Inonotus hispidus polypore changes colour from yellow-orange to deep burnt orange as it ages. The Saffron Milky Cap mushroom turns green when bruised, but does not change colour when its gills are cut and it bleeds orange.
Yes, many mushrooms change colour when damaged or injured. Bolete mushrooms, which are a separate morphological group from polypores, turn blue when cut in half.
