About Bjerkandera adusta (Willd.) P.Karst.
Bjerkandera adusta forms shelf-like fruit bodies that often overlap. Its individual caps can grow up to 7 centimetres (2+3⁄4 inches) wide and 6 millimetres (1⁄4 inch) thick. The caps are tomentose to hairy in texture and buff in color. This fungus is most often found growing on decaying wood. Bjerkandera adusta is inedible for humans. The species produces enzymes that can break down polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including the compounds found in many synthetic textile dyes, which has led to research interest in using this fungus for bioremediation purposes. Studies have also found that the lignin-degrading enzymes produced by Bjerkandera adusta, such as versatile peroxidase, can decolorize synthetic melanin. This property could allow Bjerkandera adusta to be used for melanin decolorization in future cosmetic applications.
