Content
Microporus yellowleg is a representative of the fungal kingdom, belonging to the genus Microporus from the family Polyporus. Latin name – Microporus xanthopus, synonym – Polyporus xanthopus. This mushroom is native to Australia.
What does Microporus yellowleg look like?
The cap of the fruiting body looks like an open umbrella. The yellow-legged microporus consists of a spreading upper part and a thin stalk. The outer surface is dotted with small pores, hence the interesting name - microporus.
This variety is characterized by several stages of development. A white spot appears on the wood, indicating the emergence of a fungus. Further, the size of the fruiting body increases, and a stem is formed.
Due to the specific color of the leg, the variety received the second part of the name - yellow-legged
The thickness of the cap of an adult specimen is 1-3 mm. The color varies within brownish shades.
Where and how does it grow
Australia is considered the birthplace of Microporus yellowleg. A tropical climate and the presence of rotting wood are all it needs for development.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
In Russia, Microporus yellowleg is not eaten. Unofficial sources indicate that the indigenous people of Malaysia use the pulp to wean small children.
Due to its unusual appearance, the fruiting body is popular among craft lovers. It is dried and used as a decorative element.
Doubles and their differences
The yellow-legged microporus has no similar species, so it is very difficult to confuse it with other representatives of the fungal kingdom. The unusual structure and bright colors are individual, which makes the microporus special.
Some external similarities are observed in the chestnut polypore (Picipes badius). This mushroom also belongs to the Polyporaceae family, but is classified in the genus Pitsipes.
Grows on fallen deciduous trees and stumps. Appears in regions with damp soils. It can be found everywhere from the end of May to the third ten days of October.
The average diameter of the mushroom cap is 5-15 cm, under favorable conditions it grows to 25 cm. The funnel-shaped shape is the only similarity between the yellow-legged microporus and the chestnut tinder fungus. The color of the cap in young specimens is light, becoming rich brown with age. The central part of the cap is slightly darker, the shade is lighter towards the edges. The surface is smooth, shiny, reminiscent of varnished wood. During the rainy season, the cap feels oily to the touch. Creamy-white fine pores form under the cap, which become yellow-brown with age.
The flesh of this mushroom is tough and extremely elastic, so it is difficult to tear it apart with your hands.
The leg grows up to 4 cm in length and up to 2 cm in diameter.The color is dark - brown or even black. The surface is velvety.
Due to its rigid elastic structure, the mushroom has no nutritional value. The tinder fungus is collected and dried to create crafts.
Conclusion
Microporus yellowleg is an Australian mushroom that has practically no analogues. It is not used for food, but is used in interior design.
