Researchers Chase the ‘Elixir of Life’: Investigating the Potential of the Tree Top Mushroom

About Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps mushrooms are an esteemed and valuable variety of mushroom that thrive exclusively on ancient pine trees. They are renowned for their extraordinary health benefits and are often hailed as a panacea. In this article, we will delve into the distinctive qualities and properties of cordyceps mushrooms.

1. What is Cordyceps Mushroom?

Cordyceps mushroom, scientifically known as Wolfiporia extensa, belongs to the pore mushroom family. It is also referred to as phuc thanh, phuc linh bi, and xich phuc linh. These mushrooms are predominantly found in the Hoang Lien Son range, which is abundant in ancient forests. They can also be found in mountainous regions of Da Nang and Lam Dong provinces.

Cordyceps mushrooms exclusively grow on vân sam trees and their collection involves a perilous process that necessitates the use of safety ropes. These mushrooms have diverse traditional uses including promoting overall well-being, boosting vitality, treating cancer, diuresis, and detoxification. They are highly valued for their rare and beneficial components like Pachymoza, fructoza, glucoza, pachymic acid, eburicoic acid, and more, which have been documented in ancient Chinese literature.

2. Why are Cordyceps Mushrooms Rare?

The rarity of cordyceps mushrooms stems from their unique formation process. When insects or worms burrow into the trunk of the vân sam tree, the tree secretes resin to repair itself, triggering the growth of cordyceps mushrooms. Furthermore, these mushrooms can live for several decades and attain significant sizes, making them highly sought after by Vietnamese traders and Chinese merchants.

3. The Price of Cordyceps Mushroom

Natural cordyceps mushrooms typically weigh between 500g and 2kg per bulb, with occasional super-sized mushrooms weighing 10-15kg. The price of cordyceps mushroom fluctuates between 400,000 and 2 million dong per kilogram in the market, reflecting its scarcity and value.

In conclusion, cordyceps mushrooms are distinctive and highly prized for their rare properties and health benefits. Their exclusive growth on ancient pine trees, combined with their lengthy lifespan and significant sizes, contribute to their rarity and elevated market value.