Mushrooms are surprisingly diverse. They can provide delicious foods, psychotropic drugs, unparalleled medicines, and deadly poisons. Their forms, furthermore, have no comparison. These are 10 of the rarest and most beautiful in the world.
1. Entoloma hochstetteri
Found in New Zealand and India, this tiny mushroom is easily recognized by its vivid blue color, which comes from three azulene pigments. It is not known whether it is edible or not, but New Zealand celebrates it on stamps and on the back of its $50 bill.
2. Clathrus archeri
Known as the octopus, this rare mushroom is native to and Tasmania. The thin pink arms, usually four or seven in number, emerge from an egg-shaped structure. When they develop they are covered with small masses of spores called gleba. Although it looks beautiful, you should never approach it when it ripens, as it smells like rotten meat.
3. Trametes versicolor
This species is a type of shelf mushroom that can be found throughout the world. Its multicolored patterns are easy to recognize. Colors vary depending on region and age. It is considered medicinal and has many protective benefits against cancer, although this is still a matter of debate.
4. Hydnellum peckii
This strange fungus found in North America and Europe has several names including “strawberries and cream,” “bleeding tooth,” “red juice tooth,” and “Devil’s tooth.” Young species bleed a red juice that has anticoagulant properties. And although they are not toxic, their taste is extremely bitter, which makes them inedible.
5. Gyromitra esculenta
One of the many species of false morchellas, this species is commonly called the brain fungus. In Scandinavia and Eastern Europe it is considered a delicatessen, but only if it is prepared correctly. It is potentially fatal if consumed raw, so those who plan to eat it have to be especially careful and remove the poisonous gyromitrin.
6. Phallus indusiatus
The delicate veiled lady is found in gardens and forests in Asia, Africa, America and . Even though it’s the lace skirt you’re calling, the fungus is covered in a spore-filled green slime that attracts insects to help it spread its spores. It is edible and healthy, and is used in various food dishes.
7. Laccaria amethystina
The deceptive amethyst is found in the forests of America, Europe and Asia. It is intensely purple when young, but loses its shine as it matures. Although it is edible, it is not a good choice because it absorbs contaminants from the soil, such as arsenic.
8. Hericium erinaceus
This rare mushroom has several nicknames, including “lion’s mane” and “beard mushroom.” Native to North America, it can be found on hardwood logs. Although it looks so strange, it is edible, and is sometimes served as an alternative to pork or lamb in Chinese food.
9. Chorioactis geaster
An extremely rare mushroom called the “Devil’s Cigar,” found only in select locations in Texas and Japan. In Texas, the body grows on the roots of dead cedar trees; in Japan, in the roots of dead oak trees.
10. Lactarius indigo
This fungus is found in coniferous forests in North America, Asia and Central America. When the mushroom is cut or broken, the milk (or latex) that emerges from within is a beautiful indigo blue that slowly turns green as it is exposed to the wind. Although it looks poisonous, it is edible and sold in markets in China, Guatemala and Mexico.