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The pit polypore, also known as polyporus pitata, is a representative of the Polyporaceae family, the genus Sawfoil. In addition to these names, it also has others: polyporus or casket-shaped polypore, decorated polyporus, vase-like polypore, vaulted polypore.
Description of the pit polypore
The mushroom has no distinct taste
This specimen is a small-sized fruiting body in the form of a cap and stem. A distinctive feature is that the surface is covered with small hairs and scales.Cream-colored spore powder.
Spores are cylindrical, smooth. The pulp is white or cream-colored, thin and quite tough. When ripe, the color remains unchanged. Exudes a faint mushroom aroma. Some reference books indicate that the smell is not pronounced.
Description of the cap
The pit polypore has no poisonous counterparts
The size of the cap varies from 1 to 4 cm, very rarely up to 8 cm. It is painted in brown shades. At the initial stage of ripening it is convex, after which it acquires a flat shape or slightly depressed. The surface is dry, covered with small scales and golden-brown hairs. The hymenophore is descending, porous, white when young, then gradually turns brown. The pores are radial, angular or hexagonal, with thin, finely toothed edges, and are no more than 2 mm in diameter.
Description of the leg
The leg can be located centrally or slightly shifted
Polyporus casket-shaped has a smooth, dry stalk up to 6 cm long and up to 4 mm wide. The color may match the cap or differ slightly. In any case, its color varies from yellow to brown shades. The surface is covered with small hairs and scales.
Where and how does it grow
Polyporus pitata is a fairly common variety that can be found in almost every corner of the world. It grows exclusively on hardwood trees, causing white rot. Active fruiting occurs in spring and summer. Found both singly and in groups.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The mushroom belongs to the category of conditionally edible mushrooms. Some sources classify this species as inedible due to its particularly thin cap and hard stem in adulthood.However, expert opinions agree that this specimen does not contain toxic substances. The species in question is known to be edible in Hong Kong, Nepal, New Guinea and Peru.
Doubles and their differences
The pit polypore has external similarities with the following forest gifts:
- The tinder fungus is variable - inedible specimen. Similar to the mushroom in question in small fruiting bodies. So, the size of the double’s cap is no more than 5 cm in diameter. However, you can distinguish the variable tinder fungus from the pitted tinder fungus by the smooth surface of the cap and the stem of a darker color.
- Polypore honeycomb - refers to inedible mushrooms. The fruiting body has a fan-shaped, oval or semicircular shape. A distinctive feature is the barely noticeable leg, since its length is no more than 1 cm.
- Winter polypore – inedible. As a rule, the fruiting body of the double is slightly larger. In addition, the color of the fruit is much darker.
Application of pit polypore
As you know, many polypores are used in homeopathy and for the manufacture of dietary supplements. This number also includes this type of mushroom.
Conclusion
The pit polypore is a small-sized mushroom that can be found on trees in deciduous or mixed forests. As for edibility, this issue is quite controversial: some reference books attribute it to the category of conditionally edible mushrooms, others - inedible.However, judging by the small size of the fruiting bodies and unexpressed taste, it should be assumed that this species has no nutritional value.
