The fate of a unique Reishi mushroom discovered in the basement of a residential building in Vyritsa is now in the hands of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation. This unusual specimen, resembling deer antlers, has sparked interest due to its rarity and protected status.

Vladimir Tilte, Director of the St. Petersburg Mycological Society, confirmed the mushroom’s identification as a Reishi, also known as varnished bracket fungus or Lingzhi. He also expressed interest in including the “horned one” in the planned Mushroom Museum in St. Petersburg.

However, the Reishi mushroom is listed in the Red Book of Russia, requiring a special permit for its removal from its natural environment. The St. Petersburg Mycological Society has submitted an application to the Ministry of Natural Resources for a permit to collect six species of Red Book mushrooms, including this bracket fungus.

The homeowner, Varvara, initially shared photos of the mushroom with the “Mushrooms and Mushroom Pickers of St. Petersburg” community. Photographer Anton Kubyshkin then examined the mushroom.

Varnished bracket fungi are typically found in southern regions of Russia and are well-known in Southeast Asia for their medicinal properties and cultivation. The unusual aspect of this find is its location in the Leningrad Region, where it is rarely seen, and its antler-like appearance, a result of low humidity conditions that prevent the formation of a typical cap.