Content
Excidia blackens, or compressed tremors, is an inedible representative of the mushroom kingdom. The species is rare and grows throughout Russia. Prefers to grow on broken and dried branches of deciduous trees. It is impossible to pass by the variety, since the fruiting body is painted in a bluish, shiny color and has a gelatinous structure.
What does Exidia blackens look like?
At an early age, exidia blackens has a rounded body, which eventually merges, forming a cushion with a diameter of 20 cm. The surface is corrugated, shiny, with expanded edges and conical tubercles. The color can range from dark brown to gray. The watery pulp is dark and transparent. During drought it hardens, but after rain it takes on its previous appearance and continues its growth and development.Reproduction occurs by elongated spores, which are located in white spore powder.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The specimen is considered inedible, but is not considered poisonous. Due to the lack of smell and taste, it is not a valuable food product.
Where and how does it grow
Exidia blackens grows on dry branches or trunks of deciduous trees, covering a large area. It can be found in the forests of Western Siberia. Fruiting begins in April and lasts until late autumn.
Doubles and their differences
Exidia compressata, like any representative of the mushroom kingdom, has its counterparts:
- Spruce trembler. Grows on dried coniferous trees. The cushion-shaped fruiting body is formed by a dense gelatinous mass, black in color with an olive tint. The surface is smooth and shiny; during dry periods it hardens and forms a crust. Can be found in all coniferous forests of Russia.
- Tremor glandular. Grows on dried beech, oak, aspen and hazel wood. The fruiting body has a jelly-like consistency; during massive growth, they never grow together. The shiny olive, brown or gray surface hardens and becomes matte in dry weather. The pulp is thin, elastic, without mushroom taste or smell. It is considered conditionally edible. It can be consumed raw when preparing salads and dried when cooking soups.
Conclusion
Exidia blackens is a beautiful representative of the mushroom kingdom. The jelly-like pulp is shiny black. Prefers to grow on dry trunks of deciduous trees. In Russia, the mushroom is considered inedible, but in China a variety of dishes are prepared from it.
