Polyozellus multiplex
| Polyozellus multiplex | |
|---|---|
Apparently Secure (NatureServe) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Thelephorales |
| Family: | Thelephoraceae |
| Genus: | Polyozellus Murrill (1910) |
| Species: | P. multiplex
|
| Binomial name | |
| Polyozellus multiplex (Underw.) Murrill (1910)
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Cantharellus multiplex Underw. (1899) | |
| Polyozellus multiplex | |
|---|---|
| Mycological characteristics | |
| Ridges on hymenium | |
| Cap is infundibuliform | |
| Hymenium attachment is irregular or not applicable | |
| Stipe is bare | |
| Spore print is white | |
| Ecology is mycorrhizal | |
| Edibility is edible | |
Polyozellus multiplex is a species complex of fungi first described in 1899. P. multiplex is commonly known as the blue chanterelle, the purple chanterelle, or, in Alaska, the black chanterelle. However, this mushroom is not closely related to true chanterelles. The fruiting bodies of this species are blue- to purple-colored clusters of vase- or spoon-shaped caps, with veiny wrinkles on the underside which run down the length of the stem.
The species may be found growing on the ground in coniferous forests, usually under spruce and fir trees. It is an edible species and has been harvested for commercial purposes. It contains the bioactive compound polyozellin, which has been shown to have various beneficial physiological properties, including suppressive effects on stomach cancer.