Zhu Ling (Polyporus)
Zhu Ling (Polyporus) (Elongated, sub-circular, flattened mass, greyish-brown to black, shrunken, with wart-like protuberances and obvious wrinkles)
Zhu Ling (Polyporus) (Iron-bound white flesh) (White, delicate, granular, with fissures)
【Naming】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Middle Grade
【Common Use Level】
B
【Botanical Origin】
The dried sclerotium of the polypore fungus Grifola umbellata (Pers.) Pilat.
【Characteristics】
It is a dried, irregular, elongated mass or nearly round mass, of varying sizes and thicknesses. The elongated ones are often curved or branched like ginger, about 10~25cm long and 3~8cm in diameter. The round masses are about 3~7cm in diameter. The outer surface is grayish-black or brownish-black, with wart-like protuberances and obvious wrinkles all over. The texture is firm but not solid, light like cork, with cavities, and can float on water. The cut surface is delicate, white or light brown, and slightly granular. Odorless, taste bland.
【Identification】
《Essential Compendium of Materia Medica》: “The one with firm roots is the best.” 《Essentials of Materia Medica》: “Mostly grows under maple trees, the mass resembles pig feces, hence the name. The one with white and solid flesh is good.” 《Yao Zheng》: “Both Japanese and Chinese varieties exist, the Chinese product is superior.” 《Discrimination of Good and Bad》: “The one with a black and shiny skin and white inside is top grade. The thin and small one, or the one with a light red, light black, or light ochre color inside, is inferior.”
The best are those that are compact, heavy, with a black and shiny skin, white flesh, large and uniform, with abundant powdery texture, and free from sand and sugary heart.
【Identification Terminology】
1. Iron-bound white flesh: Specifically refers to Zhu Ling (Polyporus) medicinal material that is compact, heavy, with a black skin and white flesh.
【Category】
Fungi and Algae