FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Hericium erinaceus
Lion's Mane
(Bull.) Pers., 1797
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An unmistakable, large, tufted, unbranched bracket-like fungus forming a rounded mass of cascading, icicle-like white teeth. It lacks a traditional stalk and cap; instead, it develops a solid fibrous base from which long, fleshy, flexible spines (up to 6 cm) hang downwards. The entire fruiting body is pristine white to cream when fresh, transitioning to a dull yellowish-brown or pinkish-tan with advanced maturity.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Russulales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Hericiaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Hericium
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bull.) Pers., 1797
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Decomposer
EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits mature, old-growth temperate deciduous forests across the Northern Hemisphere. It grows as a wound parasite and saprophyte on living or recently dead broadleaf hardwoods, showing a strict preference for mature oaks and beeches. It typically emerges from high tree hollows, frost cracks, or mechanical wounds up in the canopy, and can fruit from the same spot for consecutive years.SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A stationary wood decomposer with a highly persistent vegetative lifespan. The mycelium can live inside a living oak for decades, hidden within the trunk core while executing a slow white-rot process. When atmospheric conditions trigger fruiting in autumn, it forces its way through external wounds to generate a heavy, nutrient-dense dangling mass designed to intercept canopy wind currents.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.0 - 40.0 cm
Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The unique architectural layout of unbranched cascading spines dramatically maximizes the surface area of the hymenium (fertile layer) available for spore production, ensuring efficient spore release into canopy wind drafts while staying structurally compact.
Exhibits a dual-action survival strategy: functioning initially as a weak parasite utilizing wood wounds to consume core dead heartwood, and continuing as a persistent saprophyte long after the host tree has collapsed.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss of micro-habitats due to intensive modern forestry practices that systematically remove ancient, hollow, damaged, or standing dead hardwood trees, directly eradicating the specific structural requirements this slow-growing species needs to fruit.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
This fungus synthesizes unique compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in human cells, making it a major subject of research for neurodegenerative treatments.