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The black-legged polypore is a member of the Polyporidae family. It is also called Picypes blackfoot. The assignment of a new name is due to a change in the classification of the fungus. Since 2016, it began to be classified as a member of the genus Picipes.
Description of the black-footed tinder fungus
The black-legged polypore has a thin, elongated stalk. The diameter of the cap ranges from 3 to 8 cm. It has a funnel shape. As the mushroom matures, a depression forms in its middle. The surface of the black-legged polypore is covered with a glossy, cloudy film. Color varies from brown to dark brown.
The mushroom has a tubular hymenophore, which is located on the inside. The pores are small and round in shape. At a young age, the flesh of the black tinder fungus is quite soft. Over time, it hardens and begins to crumble. No liquid is released at the fracture site. Contact with air does not change the color of the pulp.
In nature, the black-legged polypore acts as a parasite. It destroys rotting wood, and subsequently utilizes the remains of organic matter as a saprophyte. The Latin name of the mushroom is Polyporus melanopus.
When harvesting, the fruiting bodies are not broken, but carefully cut off at the base with a knife.
Where and how does it grow
Black-legged polypores are most often found in deciduous forests. They are considered annual mushrooms, which are located near alder, birch and oak. Single specimens are localized in coniferous trees. Peak fruiting occurs from mid-summer to November. In Russia, Pisipes grows in the Far East. But it can also be found in other areas of the temperate forest zone of the Russian Federation.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Polyporus blackfoot is classified as inedible. It has no nutritional value or taste. At the same time, it does not have a toxic effect on the human body.
Doubles and their differences
In appearance, polyporus can be confused with other tinder fungi. But an experienced mushroom picker will always be able to find the difference between them. The distinctive feature of the Black-footed Picypes is its thin brown leg.
Chestnut polypore
The surface of young specimens is velvety; in more mature mushrooms it becomes smooth.The stem of the chestnut tinder fungus is located at the edge of the cap. It has a gradient shade - dark at the ground and light at the top.
The chestnut polypore is found throughout Australia, North America and western Europe. In Russia, it grows mainly in Siberia and the Far East. It can often be found near the scaly tinder fungus. Peak fruiting occurs from late May to October. This species is not eaten. Scientific name: Picipes badius.
When it rains, the surface of the tinder cap becomes oily
Polyporus variable
Fruiting bodies form on thin fallen branches. The diameter of the double cap can reach 5 cm. There is a small notch in the middle. In young mushrooms, the edges are slightly turned down. As they grow older they open up. In rainy weather, radial stripes appear on the surface of the cap. The flesh of polyporus is elastic and soft, with a characteristic aroma.
Features of the mushroom include a developed stalk that is black in color. The tubular layer is white, the pores are small. Variable polyporus is not eaten as food, but this mushroom is not toxic either. In Latin it is called Cerioporus varius.
The fruit bodies are unsuitable for consumption due to the pulp being too hard.
Conclusion
The black-footed polypore is found not only in single specimens, but also in fruits fused together. It can be found on dead wood and rotting branches. It is of little interest to mushroom pickers due to the impossibility of consumption.
