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The black-footed polypore is a representative of the Polyporov family. It is also called the Blackfoot Pitsipes. The assignment of a new name is due to a change in the classification of the fungus. Since 2016, it has been attributed to the Picipes genus.
Description of blackfoot tinder fungus
The black-footed tinder fungus has a thin, elongated leg. The diameter of the cap ranges from 3 to 8 cm. It has a funnel shape. As the mushroom matures, a depression forms in its middle. The surface of the black-footed tinder fungus is covered with a glossy, cloudy film. The color ranges from brown to dark brown.
The fungus has a tubular hymenophore, which is located on the inside. The pores are small and rounded. At a young age, the flesh of the black tinder fungus is quite soft. Over time, it hardens and begins to crumble. No liquid is released at the fracture site. Contact with air does not change the color of the pulp.
In nature, the black-footed tinder fungus acts as a parasite. It destroys decaying wood, and then utilizes the remains of organic matter as a saprophyte. The Latin name for the mushroom is Polyporus melanopus.
When collecting, the fruit bodies are not broken, but carefully cut with a knife at the base
Where and how it grows
Most often, black-footed tinder fungi are found in deciduous forests. They are considered annual mushrooms, which are located near alder, birch and oak. Single specimens are localized in conifers. The peak of fruiting occurs from mid-summer to November. In Russia, pitsipes grows in the Far East. But it can also be found in other areas of the temperate forest belt of the Russian Federation.
Is the mushroom edible or not
Polyporus black-footed is classified as inedible. It has no nutritional value and taste. At the same time, it does not have a toxic effect on the human body.
Doubles and their differences
In appearance, polyporus can be confused with other polypores. But an experienced mushroom picker can always tell the difference between them. The black-footed pitsipes has a distinctive brown thin leg.
Chestnut tinder fungus
The surface of young specimens is velvety; in more mature mushrooms, it becomes smooth. The leg of the chestnut tinder fungus is located on the edge of the cap. It has a gradient shade - dark at the ground and light at the top.
The chestnut tinder fungus is ubiquitous in Australia, North America and western Europe. On the territory of Russia, it grows mainly in Siberia and the Far East. Often it can be found near the scaly tinder fungus. The peak of fruiting occurs from the end of May to October. This species is not eaten. The scientific name is Pícipes badius.
When it rains, the surface of the tinder fungus cap becomes oily.
Polyporus changeable
Fruiting bodies are formed on thin fallen branches.The diameter of the double's cap can reach 5 cm. There is a small notch in the middle. In young mushrooms, the edges are slightly tucked down. As they grow older, they open up. In rainy weather, radial stripes appear on the surface of the cap. The pulp of a polyporus is elastic and soft, with a characteristic aroma.
The features of the fungus include a developed leg, which has a black color. The tubular layer is white, the pores are small. The changeable polyporus is not eaten, but this mushroom is not toxic either. In Latin it is called Cerioporus varius.
Fruit bodies are unsuitable for human consumption due to too tough pulp
Conclusion
The black-footed tinder fungus is found not only in single specimens, but also in fruits that have grown together with each other. It can be found on dead wood and rotting branches. For mushroom pickers it is of little interest due to the impossibility of eating.
