Content
Lenzites birch - a representative of the Polyporov family, genus Lenzites. The Latin name is Lenzites betulina. Also known as lencites or birch trametes. It is an annual parasitic fungus that, when settled on wood, causes white rot in it.
What Lenzites birch looks like
This mushroom grows in large groups
The fruiting body of this specimen is presented in the form of one cap without a stem. The cap is thin, semi-rosette with sharp edges; its size varies from 2 to 10 cm in diameter. The surface is covered with a velvety, hairy or felt edging of a whitish color at a young age, and gray or cream at a mature age. It is divided into concentric zones with lighter edges, whitish, yellowish-ocher, grayish-brown or brown. Quite often, in old mushrooms, pubescence is covered with multi-colored algae. On the underside of the cap there are plates that branch strongly and intertwine with each other. At the initial stage of ripening, they are colored white, after a while they become light cream or yellow-ocher. The spores are cylindrical, thin-walled and colorless.
The pulp is thin, tough, leathery, elastic, almost cork in old mushrooms. Has a spicy aroma and unexpressed taste.
Where does Lenzites birch grow
This species grows throughout the summer and autumn.
The fruiting bodies of this variety are annual. Most often found in areas of the Northern Hemisphere, where a temperate climate is characteristic. He prefers to settle on the birch trees, which is why he got the corresponding name. But besides this, the species in question also grows on dead wood of other deciduous trees, stumps and dead wood. A favorable time for fruiting is the period from June to November.
Is it possible to eat birch lenzites
This species is one of the inedible mushrooms. Despite the fact that there are no toxic substances in it, birch lenzites is not suitable for food due to its particularly tough pulp.
Conclusion
Lenzites birch is an annual parasitic fungus. You can meet him throughout the summer and autumn on stumps, deadwood, trunks or thick branches of deciduous trees, less often conifers. Due to its tough pulp, it is not suitable for food, however, some mushroom pickers collect fruits for medicinal purposes and prepare decoctions or alcoholic tinctures.
