Content
Tinder fungus (Cerioporus varius) is a representative of the Polyporovye family, the genus Cerioporus. A synonym for this name is Polyporus varius. This species is one of the most mysterious and poorly studied among all tinder fungi. Despite the very pleasant appearance and aroma, this specimen has no place in the general basket.
Description of the volatile polypore
The specimen has a pleasant mushroom aroma
The fruiting bodies of the tinder fungus are small, presented in the form of a small cap and a thin stem. The spores are smooth, cylindrical, and transparent. Spore white powder. Differs in elastic, thin and leathery pulp with a pleasant mushroom aroma.
Description of the hat
Spore-bearing layer finely porous, light ocher color
The cap in this specimen is spread with a deep central depression, reaches no more than 5 cm in diameter. At the initial stage of development, its edges are tucked up, and a little later they open. Painted in yellow-brown or ocher color, with time it acquires faded shades. The cap is smooth, fleshy in the center and thin at the edges; in old mushrooms, it is fibrous. In wet weather, the surface is shiny, sometimes radial stripes appear. On the inner side there are small tubes of light ocher color, slightly rolling down on the stem.
Leg description
The flesh of this specimen is firm, while the old ones are woody.
The leg of the tinder fungus is straight and rather long, up to 7 cm in height, and up to 8 mm thick. Expands slightly at the top. In most cases, it is located in the center, rarely eccentric. Velvety to the touch, especially at the base. The structure is dense and fibrous. Painted in black or dark brown.
Where and how it grows
The favorite habitats of the tinder fungus are deciduous forests, especially where birch, oak and beech grows. It is also quite common on stumps, fallen branches and the remains of trees of any species. It settles not only in the forest, but also in parks and gardens. Located on wood, this species thereby contributes to the appearance of white rot. The best time for fruiting is from July to October. As a rule, it grows in the temperate northern zone. However, it is found in different parts of not only Russia, but also abroad. It can grow both singly and in groups.
Is the mushroom edible or not
Tinder fungus belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. Despite its pleasant aroma, it has no nutritional value.
The species in question is not poisonous, but due to its tough pulp, it is not suitable for food.
Doubles and their differences
Tinder fungus, changeable in appearance, is similar to the following gifts of the forest:
- Tinder chestnut - inedible. The size of the fruiting body differs markedly from the variable one. So, the diameter of the double's hat varies from 15 to 25 cm. In addition, in this species, the leg is painted completely black.Quite often it can be found together with scaly tinder fungus.
- May tinder - an inedible specimen that begins its development in May. The color of the tubes and the shape of the cap are similar to the species in question. You can distinguish a double by a gray-brown scaly leg.
- Winter tinder fungus - is considered inedible due to its tough pulp. The spore-bearing layer is finely porous, white or cream-colored. Despite the name, fruiting occurs from spring to autumn. The leg of this specimen is velvety, gray-brown, which is a distinguishing feature from the species in question. You can also recognize the double by the gray-brown or brown color of the cap.
Conclusion
Tinder fungus is a specimen that exhibits a radial pattern on the cap. It is quite easy to confuse it with some other polypores, but the distinguishing features are a tubular white layer, small pores, and a black and velvety stem at the base. In any case, all the varieties considered are not suitable for consumption, and therefore should not be included in the general basket for edible mushrooms.
