Content
Fragrant Gleophyllum is a perennial mushroom that belongs to the Gleophyllaceae family. It is characterized by the large size of the fruiting body. Can grow singly or in small groups. The shape and size may differ from one representative to another, but a characteristic feature of this species is a pleasant aniseed scent. In the official mycological reference books, it appears as Gloeophyllum odoratum.
What does odorous gleophyllum look like?
The shape of the fruiting body of this species is non-standard. It consists only of a cap, the size of which in adult specimens can reach 16 cm in diameter. In the case of growing in small groups, mushrooms can grow together. Their shape is hoof-like or cushion-shaped, and often with various growths on the surface.
In young specimens, the hat is felt to the touch, but in the process of many years of growth, it becomes significantly coarse and becomes rough. Often small bumps appear on it. The color of the fruiting body varies from yellow-cream to dark ocher. At the same time, the edge of the cap is of a bright red hue, dull, thick, rounded.
When broken, you can see the pulp of a cork consistency. It exudes anise smell, for which the mushroom got its name. The thickness of the pulp is 3.5 cm, and its shade is reddish-brown.
The hymenophore of the odorous gleophyllum is porous, yellow-brown in color. But with age, it darkens noticeably. Its thickness is 1.5 cm. The pores can be rounded or elongated, angular.
Spores in this species are elliptical, beveled or pointed on one side. Their size is 6-8 (9) X 3.5-5 microns.
Gleophyllum odorous grows tightly to the substrate with a wide base
Where and how it grows
Gleophyllum odorous is a common species that grows everywhere. Since it is perennial, it can be seen at any time of the year. It prefers to grow on dead wood and old stumps of coniferous trees, mainly spruce. It can sometimes be seen on treated wood as well.
Main habitats:
- central part of Russia;
- Siberia;
- Ural;
- Far East;
- North America;
- Europe;
- Asia.
Is the mushroom edible or not
This species belongs to the category of inedible. You cannot eat it in any form.
Doubles and their differences
Gleophyllum odorous in appearance is in many ways similar to other members of its family. But at the same time, each of them has certain differences.
Existing counterparts:
- Log gleophyllum. The cap of this species is rough, its diameter does not exceed 8-10 cm. The color of the fruiting body is gray-brown, and subsequently becomes completely brown. The pulp is thin, leathery, odorless. Its shade is brownish-red. It settles on stumps and fallen trees of aspen, oak, elm, less often needles. It also causes the development of gray rot like gleophyllum odorous. Refers to inedible mushrooms. The official name is Gloeophyllum trabeum.
Log gleophyllum is found on all continents except Antarctica
- Gleophyllum oblong. This double has a narrow, triangular hat.Its size varies within 10-12 cm. The surface is smooth, sometimes cracks may appear. The edges of the cap are wavy. The color of the fruit body is gray-ocher. This twin is inedible. The official name of the fungus is Gloeophyllum protractum.
The cap of the oblong gleophyllum has the ability to bend well
Conclusion
Gleophyllum odorous is of no interest to mushroom pickers. However, its properties are carefully studied by mycologists. The position of this species has not yet been determined. Recent molecular studies have shown that the Gleophyllaceae family shares similarities with the genus Trametes.
