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In the forest, where there was no fire, you can see burnt trees. The culprit of such a spectacle was the common krechmaria. It is a parasite; at a young age, its appearance resembles ash. Over time, the body of the fungus darkens, becoming like charcoal and molten asphalt.
Krechmaria ordinary is also called Ustulina ordinary and Tinder fungus. The common Latin name is Kretzschmaria deusta. The family name was given in honor of a botanist by the name of Kretschmar. Translated from Latin means "fire". Also in scientific works there are the following designations of the fungus:
- Hypoxylon deustum;
- Hypoxylon magnosporum;
- Hypoxylon ustulatum;
- Nemania deust;
- Nemania maxima;
- Sphaeria albodeusta;
- Sphaeria deusta;
- Sphaeria maxima;
- Sphaeria versipellis;
- Stromatosphaeria deusta;
- Ustulina deusta;
- Ustulina maxima;
- Ustulina vulgaris.
What do ordinary krechmaria look like?
Outwardly, mushrooms are a carpet consisting of many crusts. The size of each is 5-15 cm in diameter. Thickness up to 1 cm. A new layer grows every year. Krechmaria vulgaris is initially white, firm, tightly attached to the base. Has a smooth surface, irregular shape, folds.
As it ripens, it begins to turn gray from the middle, becoming more bumpy. With age, the color changes to black and red. After death, it is easily separated from the substrate, acquires a charcoal shade, brittleness. The spore print is black with a purple tint.
Krechmaria ordinary leads a parasitic lifestyle. Despite this, another organism can live at its expense. Spinal dialectria is a microscopic mushroom. It is a parasite and saprotroph. Forms red fruiting bodies. Therefore, krechmaria sometimes looks like it is sprinkled with burgundy dust.
Where do common krechmaria grow
In warm weather conditions, common krechmaria grows all year round. In continental climates - from spring to autumn. The mushroom is most common in North America, Europe, Asia.
Habitat:
- Russia;
- Costa Rica;
- Czech Republic;
- Germany;
- Ghana;
- Poland;
- Italy.
Krechmaria vulgaris affects deciduous trees. Colonizes roots, trunk at ground level. It feeds on cellulose and lignin. Destroys the cell walls of the conductive bundles. As a result, the plant loses its stability, cannot fully receive nutrients from the soil, and dies.
The following trees are at greater risk:
- beeches;
- aspen;
- linden;
- Oak trees;
- maples;
- horse chestnuts;
- birch.
After the death of the host, the saprotrophic existence continues. Therefore, it is considered an optional parasite. Carried by the wind using ascospores. Krechmaria vulgaris infects the tree through wounds. Neighboring plants are infected by root contact.
This mushroom is almost impossible to remove. In Germany, common kretschmaria has settled on a 500-year-old linden tree. Trying to slightly extend the life of a long-liver, people first strengthened the branches with screeds. Then it was necessary to completely cut the crown to reduce the pressure on the trunk.
Is it possible to eat common krechmaria
The mushroom is inedible and is not eaten.
Conclusion
Krechmaria ordinary often gives rise to false assumptions about arson in the forest. It is dangerous, since the destruction of the tree is often asymptomatic. It loses its strength and stability, it can suddenly fall. Care should be taken when in the forest next to this mushroom.
