Inonotus hispidusInonotus hispidus, commonly known as shaggy bracket, is a North American fungus and plant pathogen.DescriptionThe fruit bodies are generally semicircular and lumpy, measuring across. They are orangish with a lighter margin when fresh, blackening in age. The flesh is orangish and the spore print is brown.Similar speciesInonotus quercustris is more frequent to the south, with Ischnoderma resinosum and Laetiporus persicinus also being similar.Habitat and distributionIt is found on oak and other hardwoods through eastern North America.UsesThis fungus has been used in eastern Asia as a popular remedy for many illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and other stomach ailments. In modern pharmacology, it has aided in lowering blood glucose levels, showing anti-tumor responses and improving overall health in mice.