The Fake NZ Lion’s Mane Scandle

Buying Lion’s Mane in New Zealand? What You Need to Know

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a highly sought-after mushroom, celebrated for its unique appearance and potential health benefits. However, in New Zealand, much of what is sold or marketed as “NZ lion’s mane” is not the genuine article—leading to confusion and, at times, misleading advertising.

What Is the Fake NZ Lion’s Mane?

In New Zealand, you cannot legally grow or buy fresh lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)[5]. Instead, a native species called Pekepeke kiore (Hericium novae-zealandiae), also known as Coral Tooth, is often sold under the name “NZ lion’s mane”[3][5]. While these mushrooms are related, they are not the same species.

Key differences:

• Hericium erinaceus: The true lion’s mane, recognized for its brain-supporting compounds and widely studied health benefits.
• Hericium novae-zealandiae (Pekepeke kiore): A native NZ species, similar in appearance but genetically distinct and lacking the same scientific backing for health claims[3][5].

Why Is This a Problem?

Many New Zealand consumers seek lion’s mane for its proven health benefits. Substituting Pekepeke kiore and marketing it as “lion’s mane” is misleading because:

• No scientific evidence supports health benefits for the NZ species[5].
• The texture and flavor are not identical, affecting culinary uses[5].
• Supplements labeled as “lion’s mane” should be scrutinized for authenticity—some may use imported, processed true lion’s mane extract (which is legal), while others may not[9].

How to Ensure You’re Getting the Real Thing

• Check the label: Look for Hericium erinaceus as the listed ingredient, especially in supplements or extracts.
• Ask suppliers: Reputable companies like MycoBio clearly state when they use true lion’s mane, not the NZ lookalike[9].
• Be wary of fresh “lion’s mane” in NZ: It’s almost certainly Pekepeke kiore, not the real thing[5].

The Bottom Line

If you want the scientifically studied health benefits of lion’s mane, ensure your product contains Hericium erinaceus, not the NZ native substitute. While Pekepeke kiore is edible and interesting in its own right, it should not be marketed as lion’s mane for health purposes—doing so is misleading and unsupported by science[5][9][3].

For a more in-depth explanation about the fake NZ Lion’s Maneread: https://mycobio.co.nz/is-nz-lions-mane-a-fake/

Sources
[1] Home – Ohau Gourmet Mushrooms | OGM! https://mycobio.co.nz
[2] Lion’s Mane Look Alike – Real Mushrooms https://www.realmushrooms.com/lions-mane-mushroom-lookalikes/
[3] New Zealand Lions Mane – The Truth – Oak and Spore https://www.oakandspore.co.nz/blogs/mushroom-grow-information/new-zealand-lions-mane
[4] What Are the Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms? – WebMD https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-lions-mane-mushrooms
[5] NZ Mushroom Growing: Lions Mane, King Oyster, Reshi & Chaga https://mycobio.co.nz/mushroom-growing-lions-mane-king-oyster-reshi-chaga/
[6] Functional Fungi: Mushroom marvel or Money pit? – RNZ https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/healthy-or-hoax/story/2018904794/functional-fungi-mushroom-marvel-or-money-pit
[7] Supplement Scams Are Getting Crazy | Mushroom Supplement Facts and Falsehoods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBzUkaHP7wk
[8] Lions Mane? Pretty sure! Are there any imposters/false lions manes? https://www.reddit.com/r/mycology/comments/8mzdjx/lions_mane_pretty_sure_are_there_any/
[9] COGNITION: a Mushroom Coffee with Lions Mane + Cordyceps https://mycobio.co.nz/cognition-mushroom-coffee-lions-mane-cordyceps/
[10] Meet Lion’s Mane—The ‘Nootropic’ Mushroom That Looks Like A Frozen Waterfall https://www.forbes.com/sites/scotttravers/2025/02/26/meet-lions-mane-the-nootropic-mushroom-that-looks-like-a-frozen-waterfall
[11] Get To Know Lion’s Mane Mushroom Look Alikes https://www.mushroomrevival.com/blogs/blog/lions-mane-mushroom-look-alikes