Content
Exidia sugar is an inedible species of the Excidiaceae family. Grows on dry wood in regions with temperate climates. In coniferous forests it can be found from early spring until the first frost.
What does Exidia sugar look like?
Young specimens look like small resinous drops, which, as they grow older, grow and take on an irregular angular shape. The wrinkled surface is shiny, amber, light brown or caramel in color.
In older representatives, the fruiting body darkens and becomes dark brown or black. The pulp is dense, jelly-like, and can withstand temperatures down to -5 °C. During the thaw, restoration occurs and growth and development continues.
The spore-bearing layer is located over the entire surface, and during fruiting the mushroom takes on a dusty appearance. Reproduction occurs through microscopic, whitish spores.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Due to the hard pulp and lack of taste and smell, this representative of forest products is not used in cooking; it is considered inedible.
Where and how does it grow
Excidia sugar prefers to grow on dry coniferous wood. The species is widespread in regions with temperate climates and begins its life path from early spring to late autumn. The fruiting body is not afraid of minor frosts; after warming it thaws and continues to grow and develop.
Doubles and their differences
Exidia sugar, like all inhabitants of the forest kingdom, has doubles. These include:
- Trembling foliage – an inedible specimen, reaches 20 cm or more. The surface is smooth, shiny, brown or dark orange; as it matures, the color darkens and may become dark brown or black. The gelatinous pulp is elastic and dense, has no taste or smell.
- Orange – the surface is smooth, shiny, covered with watery lobes of bright orange color. The pulp is jelly-like, dense, odorless and tasteless. Grows from August to late October on dry deciduous wood. In European countries, this specimen is eaten, but for Russian mushroom pickers the species is unknown and has no great value.
Conclusion
Excidia sugar is an inedible species that prefers to grow on dry coniferous wood.The fungus begins growth and development in early spring and continues until late autumn. Due to its beautiful color and unusual shape, it is of interest to collectors.
