Content
Auricularia sinuous belongs to the family of the same name, whose representatives grow on wood in a warm zone of temperate climate. In the environment of mycologists, the fungus is also designated as filmy auricularia, Auricularia mesenterica.
In addition to these names, there are others based on external similarity: intestinal auricularia, scar fungus.
Due to the peculiarities of the structure and color of the wavy cap, the winding auricularia colonies resemble the waves of a bubbling stream
Where does the winding auricularia grow
The filmy species of ear-shaped fungi is found in forests growing in lowlands near rivers, where there is a lot of moisture:
- on fallen hardwood trunks;
- prefer ash, poplar, elm;
- sometimes parasitize living trees.
Less often colonies of scarious auricularia settle on stumps. Fruit bodies grow one after another in long ribbons. The species is common, fruiting bodies begin to form in summer, but remain in the warm regions of the temperate zone also in autumn and winter. Abundant fruiting begins in October-November, during the winter thaws, as well as in early spring. It spreads almost all over the world - in the humid areas of Europe, North America and Australia. In Russia, the sinuous species is often found in the southern regions.
What does a curvy auricularia look like?
The fruiting cartilaginous bodies of the filmy appearance are noticeable:
- height 15 cm;
- width up to 12-15 cm;
- thickness from 2 to 5 mm.
Like most woody mushrooms, the cap is semicircular, spreading over time, looking like thin wavy plates with outlined light edges. On the skin, covered with grayish hairs, there are noticeable concentric stripes - semicircles, with alternating dark and light colors. The color of the skin on top can be different, depending on the tree species and shading - from light gray to brown or greenish due to epiphytic algae. The leg is poorly expressed, sometimes absent.
Young mushrooms are small formations that are located along the length of the trunks after a few centimeters, then the colony merges. The lower surface of the fruiting body is wrinkled, veined, of violet-brown or reddish shades. Elastic flesh is strong, during a drought it becomes tough and brittle. After the rains, it again becomes a gelatinous state. The spore powder is whitish.
As it grows, the distance between the bodies decreases, the colony spreads like a ribbon
Is it possible to eat sinuous auricularia
Among the representatives of the ear-like genus there are no fruit bodies with toxins, therefore they can be called conditionally edible. But the nutritional value, like the quality of the food, is low.
False doubles
A sinuous appearance, unlike other ear-shaped mushrooms, with a wavy cap and brightly colored concentric stripes. Only inexperienced mushroom pickers can accidentally confuse it with auricular auricular, which has a smooth skin without folds and convolutions.
Edible ear-shaped mushrooms are distinguished by a bright brownish-reddish color and delicate gel-like flesh.
Auricularia thick-haired is common in Russia only in the Far East, and its distinctive feature is rather high and noticeable hairs that cover the skin of the fruiting body.
Collection and consumption
The best harvesting season for young juicy sinuous hats in regions with mild winters is from autumn to spring. Caps are eaten raw in salad, fried or salted. Taste and smell are poorly expressed. There is evidence that filmy auricularia, like related species, promotes blood thinning with varicose veins.
Conclusion
Auricularia meandering attracts mushroom pickers mainly in winter. Flat fruiting bodies are easier to cut with scissors. There are no poisonous false doubles.
