Content
Auricularia sinuous is part of the family of the same name, representatives of which grow on wood in a warm temperate climate. Among mycologists, the mushroom is also referred to as membranous auricularia, Auricularia mesenterica.
In addition to these names, there are others based on external similarity: intestinal auricularia, scar mushroom.
Due to the structural features and color of the wavy cap, the Auricularia sinuous colony resembles the waves of a bubbling stream
Where does Auricularia sinuous grow?
The filmy type of ear-shaped mushrooms is found in forests growing in lowlands near rivers where there is a lot of moisture:
- on fallen deciduous tree trunks;
- prefer ash, poplar, elm;
- sometimes they parasitize living trees.
Less commonly, colonies of auricularia membranous settle on stumps. The fruiting bodies grow one after another in long ribbons. The species is common; fruiting bodies begin to form in summer, but remain in warm temperate regions also in autumn and winter. Abundant fruiting begins in October-November, during winter thaws, as well as in early spring. Distributed almost throughout the world - in humid areas of Europe, North America and Australia. In Russia, the sinuous species is often found in the southern regions.
What does auricularia sinuous look like?
Fruiting cartilaginous bodies of a membranous appearance are noticeable:
- height 15 cm;
- width up to 12-15 cm;
- thickness from 2 to 5 mm.
Like most tree mushrooms, the cap is semicircular, spreading out over time, looking like thin wavy plates with outlined light edges. On the skin, covered with grayish hairs, there are noticeable concentric stripes - semicircles, with alternating dark and light colors. The color of the skin on top can be different, depending on the type of tree and shading - from light gray to brown or greenish due to epiphytic algae. The leg is weakly defined, sometimes absent.
Young mushrooms are small formations that are located along the length of the trunks after a few centimeters, then the colony merges. The lower surface of the fruiting body is wrinkled, veined, purple-brown or reddish in color. The elastic pulp is strong, but during drought it becomes hard and brittle. After rains it again acquires a gel-like state. The spore powder is whitish.
As they grow, the distance between the bodies decreases, the colony spreads in a ribbon-like manner
Is it possible to eat Auricularia tortuous?
Among the representatives of the ear-shaped genus there are no fruiting bodies with toxins, so they can be called conditionally edible. But the nutritional value, as well as the quality of the dishes, is low.
False doubles
A sinuous appearance, unlike other ear-shaped mushrooms due to the wavy shape of the cap and the bright color of the concentric stripes. Only inexperienced mushroom pickers can accidentally confuse it with Auricularia auriculata, which is distinguished by smooth skin without folds or convolutions.
Edible ear-shaped mushrooms are noticeable by their bright brown-reddish color and delicate gel-like pulp.
Auricularia densely hairy is common in Russia only in the Far East, and its distinctive feature is the rather tall and noticeable hairs that cover the skin of the fruiting body.
Collection and use
The best season for collecting young succulent tortuous caps in regions with mild winters is from autumn to spring. The caps are eaten raw in salad, fried or salted. Taste and smell are weak. There is evidence that auricularia membranous, like related species, helps thin the blood in varicose veins.
Conclusion
Auricularia sinuousa attracts mushroom pickers mainly in winter. Flat fruit bodies are easier to cut with scissors. There are no poisonous false doubles.
