Panellus stipticus

Panellus stipticus is a bioluminescent mushroom species in the genus Panellus. It is commonly known by several names, including the blitter clam mushroom, bitter sharp dwarf gnocchi and oak dwarf gnocchi.. This species is widely distributed.

Panellus stipticus is a saprobiontic colonizer of old logs, stumps, and lying branches, causing brown rot in the colonized wood. It prefers oaks and copper beech as substrates, but may also occur on a number of other hardwoods, rarely on conifers. The species occurs, as far as suitable substrate is available, in almost all forest types, in parks, gardens in tree rows and on solitary trees.

Research on Panellus stipticus has focused on its bioluminescence, which is of interest in various scientific fields. Additionally, like many fungi, it may possess bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its bitterness and lack of culinary value mean it is not a focus for nutritional consumption.

Panellus stipticus is a species of mushroom in the genus Panellus. Other names for this mushroom are bitter clam mushroom, bitter sharp dwarf gnocchi, or oak dwarf gnocchi.

1. Selection of Substrate:
   • Use hardwood sawdust or wood chips, with a preference for oak or beech. Supplement the substrate with wheat bran or rice bran for added nutrients.
   • Ensure the substrate is adequately moistened but not waterlogged, with a moisture content around 60-65%.
2. Pasteurization/Sterilization:
   • Pasteurize or sterilize the substrate to eliminate competing organisms. This can be done by steaming at 65-75°C for several hours or by using a pressure cooker for smaller batches.
3. Inoculation Phase:
   • Once the substrate has cooled, inoculate it with Panellus stipticus spawn. Mix the spawn thoroughly with the substrate to ensure even colonization.
   • Maintain a pH level of 4.0-5.5 during the spawn run.
4. Spawn Run:
   • Place the inoculated substrate in sterilized fruiting containers such as plastic bags or bins with small air holes for ventilation.
   • Incubate in a dark environment at a temperature of 20-25°C.
   • Monitor humidity, maintaining it at around 80-90%.
   • The spawn run typically lasts 3-4 weeks until the substrate is fully colonized by white mycelium.

1. Fruiting Phase:
   • Once the substrate is fully colonized, initiate fruiting by exposing the containers to light and fresh air.
   • Reduce the temperature to 15-20°C.
   • Increase humidity to around 90-95% to encourage pin formation.
   • Maintain a pH level of 4.5-6.0 during fruiting.
2. Fruiting Containers:
   • Use containers that allow for good air exchange while maintaining high humidity. Containers with perforations or breathable lids are suitable.
   • Ensure the containers are kept clean to prevent contamination.
3. Harvest:
   • Fruiting typically occurs within 1-2 weeks after initiating the fruiting phase.
   • Harvest the mushrooms when the caps are fully expanded but before they begin to release spores.
   • Maintain a pH level of 4.5-6.5 during harvest.
   • Handle the mushrooms carefully to avoid bruising.

Additional Tips:

• Caution: Panellus stipticus is highly coveted by insects and snails, so measures may be needed to protect the fruiting bodies.
• Spore Production: This species is an extremely strong sporer, so expect a significant release of spores during fruiting.

1. Dissolve the nutrients and agar in distilled water.
2. Sterilize the solution by autoclaving at 121°C for 15-20 minutes.
3. Pour the sterilized media into petri dishes or other containers under sterile conditions.
4. The Yeast is optional, but you can add it to any recipe for nutritions, same for Peptone.

Hardwood Logs and Stumps:

• Oak: One of the most preferred substrates due to its density and nutrient content.
• Copper Beech: Another suitable hardwood that provides a robust substrate for growth.
• Maple: A good alternative that supports strong mycelium development.
• Birch: Also effective, especially when combined with other hardwoods.

Sawdust Blocks:

• Hardwood Sawdust: A common substrate for commercial and experimental cultivation.
• Sawdust-Bran Mix: Adding bran to hardwood sawdust enhances nutritional content, promoting better growth.

Wood Chips:

• Mixed Hardwood Chips: A blend of various hardwood chips can provide a balanced nutrient profile.

Paper and Cardboard:

• Recycled Paper: Can be used as a low-cost substrate, though less effective than hardwoods.
• Cardboard: Acts as a supplementary substrate when layered with hardwood chips.

Nutritional Supplements:

• Wheat Bran: Increases nitrogen content, promoting mycelial growth.
• Rice Bran: An alternative to wheat bran, providing similar benefits.
• Soybean Meal: Rich in protein, enhances growth and fruiting.

Mineral Additives:

• Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate): Provides calcium and sulfur, which are essential for mycelial development.
• Lime (Calcium Carbonate): Adjusts pH levels and supplies calcium.

Moisture Retention Additives:

• Vermiculite: Helps retain moisture within the substrate.
• Peat Moss: Also used to improve moisture retention and aeration.

pH Adjusters:

• Hydrated Lime: Used to adjust and maintain the pH at an optimal level for fungal growth.
• Calcium Carbonate: Another option for pH adjustment.

The biological efficiency (BE) of Panellus stipticus, which refers to the ratio of mushroom yield to the dry weight of the substrate used, is generally lower compared to other commercially cultivated mushrooms. This is due to its slower growth rate and specific substrate preferences, resulting in a BE typically ranging from 20% to 40% under optimal conditions.

Panellus stipticus is glowing fluorescent effect, if done right, subsequent decomposer

Panellus stipticus has been found in Australia, Pakistan, North Asia (from the Caucasus to Korea and Japan), North America, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. In Europe, the species occurs from southern and southeastern Europe through western and central Europe to northern and eastern Europe, in Scandinavia it goes as far as the 65th parallel.

on hardwood, preferably birch, oak, beech..., all year round, fresh more often in late autumn and winter

To identify Panellus stipticus, look for small, fan-shaped caps that are typically 1-3 cm in diameter. These caps are light brown to orange-brown, with a distinctive radial wrinkling on the surface. The mushroom grows in overlapping clusters on decaying hardwood, especially oak. The gills are closely spaced, pale to whitish, and often display bioluminescence in the dark. The stipe is short, lateral, and fuzzy in texture. Importantly, this species is not considered edible due to its bitter taste. The unique characteristic of Panellus stipticus is its ability to glow in the dark, a phenomenon known as bioluminescence, which can help in its identification.

Do not eat Panellus stipticus.