Witherfinger
In shadowed valleys and caves exposed to the elements, one can find a curious fungus growing in finger-like stalks. "Witherfinger" is one of the only fungi in Isturoth that has unique medicinal qualities.
Witherfinger is so named because, when fully grown, its long stalks resemble the withered fingers of someone reaching up from beneath the ground.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
Once fungus has taken root, tiny bulbs will form across the mycelium. Over the next three to four weeks, the fruit will extend into long stalks. In cases where the bulbs grow in a cluster, the resulting fungus may end up being more of a mass of the finger-like stalks that merge together. At their full height, a single stalk can reach up to 100 - 110 cm tall with a diameter of 10 - 12 cm at its base.
The stalks begin as white bulbs and gradually turn to a darker grey-brown, with the tips usually being darker still. The withered appearance comes from the veined wrinkles that form across the surface of the stalks as it hardens and dries. As long as the base of the fungal stalk remains attached to its mycelium, the stalk can be harvested and then will regrow after a few weeks. Due to its antibacterial properties, it is also extremely resistant to disease.
Ecology and Habitats
Witherfinger grows best in cave entrances, crevices and shadowed undergrowth, where sunlight is almost non-existent but it can still benefit from the wind and rain. It thrives in cold, dark, damp environments and can even be cultivated here.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Most fungus farmers will have some amount of witherfinger growing amongst their crops. In the right conditions, it grows fairly quickly and easily. Stalks that are harvested will eventually re-grow in about a month.
Witherfinger is most commonly used as an antibacterial, so many process it and make it into ointments and salves. While it has a very unpleasant taste, it isn't toxic and can help infections to heal when consumed as a tea.
Creepy looking! Love it.