Poria cocos

Poria cocos

　　Poria cocos is a parasitic fungus that grows on the roots of pine trees and is one of the medicinal fungi cultivated earlier in Sichuan. Also known as pine poria or fuling. It belongs to the genus Wolfiporia of the family Polyporaceae in the order Polyporales under the class Basidiomycetes. Containing various components such as poria polysaccharides and triterpenoid compounds like pachymic acid, it has diuretic, spleen-strengthening, and calming effects. It is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and can also be made into pastries, serving as a nourishing and spleen-strengthening food for the elderly and young children.