Content
In deciduous forests, white, loose projections or growths can be observed on trees. This is Aurantiporus fissile - a tinder, porous fungus, which is considered a plant pathogen and parasitic organism. It belongs to the Polyporaceae family, genus Aurantiporus. The Latin name of the species is Aurantiporus fissilis.
What does Aurantiporus fissile look like?
Its fruiting body is large, full-bodied, and sits tightly on the wood. Dimensions can reach up to 20 cm in diameter. The shape is semicircular, looks like a hoof, almost flat, the top is raised. Some specimens look like a sponge.
The surface of the fruiting body is slightly pubescent, eventually becoming completely smooth and lumpy. One edge is attached to the tree trunk.
The edges are smooth, occasionally wavy.In dry weather they can rise upward.
The color of the tinder fungus is white, with a slight pink tint. Over time, old specimens turn yellow.
The pulp is fleshy, fibrous, light or slightly brown, filled with moisture. There are specimens with slightly pink or purple flesh. In dry weather it becomes hard, oily and sticky.
The tubes are long, thin, pink with a gray tint, and watery. When pressed they crumble easily.
The spores are oval or inversely ovoid, colorless. Spore powder is white.
Where and how does it grow
Aurantiporus splitting grows everywhere in the regions of Central and Northern Europe, and is found in Taiwan. It can be found on the trunks of deciduous, coniferous and even garden trees. It often bears fruit on the bark of apple or oak trees. Causes white rot on wood.
There are single specimens and groups that encircle the trunk of living and dead trees in rings.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Aurantiporus fissile is not eaten. It belongs to the group of inedible mushrooms.
Doubles and their differences
A similar double is Trametes fragrant. It has a pronounced anise aroma. The color of the double is gray or yellow. Belongs to the inedible species.
Spongypellis spongiosa has a larger, gray or brown fruit body. In some specimens a false stalk can be observed. The lower edge of the basidioma is densely pubescent. When pressed, the fruiting body becomes cherry-colored and emits a pleasant sweetish aroma. The species is classified as rare and endangered. There is no data on edibility.
Conclusion
Aurantiporus fissileus is a plant pathogen distributed throughout almost the entire territory of Europe. The tinder fungus parasitizes deciduous trees.It has a large semicircular fruiting body. It is not eaten.
