After several days of traveling by plane, bus, truck and boat we arrived deep in the Achuar territory in the Amazon jungle in the southern part of Ecuador.
In Kapawi lodge where we were staying there was a number of flora and fauna guidebooks showing all the amazing biodiversity of the area (the Amazon rainforest houses over 10% of the world’s lifeforms).
One guidebook focused on fungus.
Being that I’ve loved mushrooms for a long time I immediately opened it and took a look.
Of course there were many fungi I had never seen before.
But what surprised me was all the one’s that I knew. Like Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Artist’s Conk and Reishi.
So when we went hiking I kept my eye out.
The turnover of living matter is quick inside the rainforest. The fungus is a large part of recycling that quickly and so it was everywhere. Lots and lots of types. Here’s just a few photos:
Since I have never actually found cordyceps or reishi (they aren’t in the area where I live) I was looking particularly for them.
The chances of seeing cordyceps was small considering it is a small club head on top of an insect. No luck there.
And after several hours of hiking I had just about given up hope on finding a reishi. Then right by my feet I see the lacquered red color…
Such a tiny thing I so easily could have missed it.
The first time I’ve ever found a reishi. Before that day I didn’t even know they lived in the rainforest.
Later that day I asked one of the Achuar if they were familiar with the reishi.
They called it ”The Staircase of the Devil”. And they don’t use it for anything.
Fascinating!
Now I have a keepsake of the jungle.
This experience has helped me to like mushrooms even more. Fun to look for and of course you can get tons of benefits to your immune system and more by taking them too. Check out our 16:1 dual extract of reishi mushoom here.
- Yang, Qi, Mitochondria and Chronic Fatigue - March 27, 2024
- Eczema: A Natural Approach to Soothing Your Skin - March 10, 2024
- Harmless vs. Pathogenic E. coli - February 27, 2024
Artis Pendergrass says
I love it Lost Empire, That’s hard core yes sir, I love y’all products you all have the best.every month my wife and I will be ordering our stuff from you guys. Your the Greatest. Thanks.