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Phellinus viticola is a tree mushroom of the class Basidiomycetes, belonging to the family Hymenochaetae and the genus Phellinus. It was first described by Ludwig von Schweinitz, and the fruiting body received its modern classification thanks to the Dutchman Marinus Donk in 1966. Its other scientific names: Polyporus viticola Schwein, since 1828.
What does Phellinus grape look like?
The stemless fruiting body is attached to the substrate with the side part of the cap. The shape is narrow, elongated, slightly wavy, irregularly broken, up to 5-7 cm wide and 0.8-1.8 cm thick. In young mushrooms, the surface is covered with short hairs, velvety to the touch. As it develops, the cap loses its pubescence, becomes rough, unevenly lumpy, and varnish-shiny, like dark amber or honey. Color red-brown, brick, chocolate. The edge is bright orange or ocher, fleecy, rounded.
The pulp is dense, no more than 0.5 cm in thickness, porous-hard, woody, chestnut or yellowish-red in color.The hymenophore is lighter, finely porous, beige, coffee-milk or brownish in color. Uneven, with angular pores, often descends along the surface of the tree, occupying a significant area. The tubes reach a thickness of 1 cm.
The porous hymenophore is covered with a white downy coating
Where does Phellinus vine grow?
Phellinus grapese is a cosmopolitan mushroom and is found everywhere in northern and temperate latitudes. It grows in the Urals and in the Siberian taiga, in the Leningrad region and in the Far East. Inhabits dead wood and fallen spruce trunks. Sometimes it can be seen on other conifers: pine, fir, cedar.
Individual fruiting bodies are capable of merging into single large organisms
Is it possible to eat Phellinus grapese?
Fruiting bodies are classified as inedible. Their pulp is corky, tasteless and bitter. Nutritional value tends to zero. Tests for the content of toxic substances have not been carried out.
Small mushroom buttons very quickly grow over the surface of the tree into intricately curved ribbons and spots
Conclusion
Phellinus grapese is widespread in Russia, Europe, and North America. Lives in coniferous or mixed forests. It settles on dead wood of pine, spruce, fir, and cedar, quickly destroying it. It is a perennial, so you can see it in any season. Inedible, no toxicity data available in the public domain.
