Trametes versicolor
| Trametes versicolor | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota | 
| Kingdom: | Fungi | 
| Division: | Basidiomycota | 
| Class: | Agaricomycetes | 
| Order: | Polyporales | 
| Family: | Polyporaceae | 
| Genus: | Trametes | 
| Species: | T. versicolor | 
| Binomial name | |
| Trametes versicolor | |
| Synonyms | |
| Boletus versicolor L. (1753) | |
| Trametes versicolor | |
|---|---|
| Pores on hymenium | |
| Cap is offset or indistinct | |
| Hymenium is decurrent | |
| Lacks a stipe | |
| Spore print is white to yellow | |
| Ecology is saprotrophic | |
| Edibility is too hard to eat | |
Trametes versicolor – also known as Coriolus versicolor and Polyporus versicolor – is a common polypore mushroom found throughout the world. Meaning 'of several colors', versicolor accurately describes this fungus that displays a unique blend of markings. Additionally, owing to its shape being similar to that of a wild turkey's tail feathers, T. versicolor is most commonly referred to as turkey tail. A similar-looking mushroom commonly called "false turkey tail" is from a different genus (Stereum), and thus may sometimes be confused with the 'true' turkey tail mushroom, T. versicolor. Another lookalike is the multicolor gill polypore, T. betulina.
It is commonly marketed as a dietary supplement for various health benefits but lacks sufficient scientific evidence for safety or effectiveness, and quality can vary due to inconsistent processing and labeling.