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In a forest where there was no fire, you can see burnt trees. The culprit of this spectacle was the Common Krechmaria. It is a parasite; when young, its appearance resembles ash. Over time, the body of the fungus darkens, becoming similar to charcoal and molten asphalt.
Krechmaria vulgaris is also called Ustulina vulgaris and Tinder fungus brittle. The common Latin name is Kretzschmaria deusta. The generic name is given in honor of a botanist named Kretschmar. Translated from Latin it means “burnt”. Also in scientific works the following designations of the mushroom are found:
- Hypoxylon deustum;
- Hypoxylon magnosporum;
- Hypoxylon ustulatum;
- Nemania deust;
- Nemania maxima;
- Sphaeria albodeusta;
- Sphaeria deusta;
- Sphaeria maxima;
- Sphaeria versipellis;
- Stromatosphaeria deusta;
- Ustulina deusta;
- Ustulina maxima;
- Ustulina vulgaris.
What do common Krechmaria look like?
Externally, mushrooms look like a carpet consisting of many crusts. The size of each is 5-15 cm in diameter. Thickness up to 1 cm. A new layer grows every year. Krechmaria vulgaris is initially white, hard, tightly attached to the base. It has a smooth surface, irregular shape, folds.
As it ripens, it begins to turn gray from the middle and become more lumpy. With age, the color changes to black and red. After death, it easily separates from the substrate, acquires a charcoal tint and becomes brittle. The spore print is black with a purple tint.
Krechmaria vulgaris leads a parasitic lifestyle. Despite this, another organism can live at its expense. Dialonectria sphericalis is a microscopic fungus. It is a parasite and a saprotroph. Forms red fruiting bodies. Therefore, krechmaria sometimes looks as if it is sprinkled with burgundy dust.
Where do common krechmaria grow?
Under warm weather conditions, Krechmaria vulgaris grows year-round. In a continental climate - from spring to autumn. The mushroom is most common in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Countries of residence:
- Russia;
- Costa Rica;
- Czech Republic;
- Germany;
- Ghana;
- Poland;
- Italy.
Krechmaria vulgaris attacks deciduous trees. Colonizes roots, trunk at ground level. It feeds on cellulose and lignin. Destroys the cell walls of vascular bundles.As a result, the plant loses its stability, cannot fully obtain nutrients from the soil, and dies.
The following trees are at greater risk:
- beeches;
- aspen;
- linden;
- Oak trees;
- maples;
- horse chestnuts;
- birch trees
After the death of the owner, saprotrophic existence continues. Therefore it is considered a facultative parasite. It is carried by the wind using ascospores. Krechmaria vulgaris infects the tree through wounds. Neighboring plants become infected by contacting the roots.
This fungus is almost impossible to remove. In Germany, Kretschmaria vulgaris settled on a 500-year-old linden tree. Trying to slightly prolong the life of the centenarian, people first strengthened the branches with ties. Then we had to cut off the crown altogether to reduce the pressure on the trunk.
Is it possible to eat common krechmaria?
The mushroom is inedible and not eaten.
Conclusion
Krechmaria vulgaris often causes false suspicions of arson in the forest. It is dangerous, since tree destruction is often asymptomatic. It loses strength and stability and may suddenly fall. You should be careful when in the forest near this mushroom.
