This study explores how the medicinal mushroom Poria cocos creates its own special microbial environment inside its sclerotium (the part used in medicine). Researchers found that the mushroom selectively enriches certain bacteria and fungi while maintaining lower overall microbial diversity compared to surrounding soil. The study reveals that specific microbes like Burkholderia and Scytalidium are positively associated with the production of pachymic acid, the mushroom’s key medicinal compound with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties.