Clavariadelphus truncatus
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| Clavariadelphus truncatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Gomphales |
| Family: | Clavariadelphaceae |
| Genus: | Clavariadelphus |
| Species: | C. truncatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Clavariadelphus truncatus | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Clavariadelphus borealis V.L. Wells & Kempton | |
| Mycological characteristics | |
 | Smooth hymenium |
|---|---|
 | No distinct cap |
 | Hymenium attachment is irregular or not applicable |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Spore print is ochre |
 | Ecology is mycorrhizal |
 | Edibility is edible or choice |
Clavariadelphus truncatus, commonly known as the truncate club coral,[1] truncated club,[2][3][4][5] or club coral,[6] is a species of mushroom. It is a member of the basidiomycete fungi family Gomphaceae.
Chemistry
The species has a yellow-orange fruiting body in the shape of a club with a flat cap.[7] The flesh is white, thin, and hollow at the top.[8] The vertical side of the fruiting body normally has folds and wrinkles, but can be smooth. The spores are smooth and their spore print is pale yellow to ochre.[9]
The mushroom has a pleasant odor and a sweet taste.[8]
C. truncatus can bioaccumulate significant amounts of zinc,[10] and radioactive caesium-137.[11]
Similar species
Although one field guide says that it is unlikely that anyone would confuse the mushroom with another species,[12] the yellow chanterelle is distantly related to the mushroom and looks nearly the same, except for the ridges and cross-veined hymenium.[13] In North America, C. pallidoincarnatus (found in the West) and C. unicolor (in the East) are similar, as is C. ligula.[14] Clavariadelphus pistillaris is also similar, but the top is not flat.[7] Additionally, Macrotyphula fistulosa is tall and skinny, and Neolecta has a bright yellow head.[14]
Habitat and distribution
The mushroom's habitat is in coniferous forests from summer to autumn.[8] The mushroom is a common species.[15] The species is found at a high elevation and is widely distributed.[16]
Uses
The mushroom is edible and has a sweet taste.[8] Old mushrooms may be spongy and soft inside.[17] The species is high in nutrition and can be used for cooking.[18] One field guide says that the mushroom is one of the best to eat and has a sweet flavor that is especially appealing to some people.[19] David Arora writes that the mushroom can be sautéed and served for dessert.[1]
Medicine
The mushroom contains clavaric acid, which has been shown to reduce the rate of tumor development when given to mice.[20] Clavaric acid interferes with farnesyltransferase, an enzyme implicated in tumorigenesis, which suggests that clavaric acid may have therapeutic value in the treatment of certain cancers.[20] It has been reported that the mushrooms have significant antioxidant activity.[21]