Vanderbylia robiniophila

Vanderbylia robiniophila is a species of polypore fungus in the family Polyporaceae. Originally described as Trametes robiniophila by William Murrill in 1907, the species has undergone several taxonomic revisions and has been known as Perenniporia robiniophila and Poria robiniophila. It is a wood-decay fungus, typically found as a parasite on living deciduous trees or as a saprobe on deadwood, with a particular affinity for black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and hackberry (Celtis spp.). The fungus causes a white to pale brownish heart rot in its hosts. Beyond its ecological role as a decomposer and tree pathogen, V. robiniophila holds considerable significance in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is known as huaier (槐耳). Practitioners have used the fungus for more than 1,600 years, primarily for its reputed anti-tumor and immunomodulatory properties. This dual identity as an ecological agent and a source of traditional medicine with scientifically investigated bioactive com......read more on Wikipedia.