Content
Skeletocutis pink-gray (lat. Skeletocutis carneogrisea) is a shapeless, inedible mushroom that grows in large quantities on fallen trees. Very often, clusters of this species can be found next to Trihaptum fir. Inexperienced mushroom pickers will easily confuse them, however, this does not matter much - both varieties are unsuitable for consumption.
What does Skeletocutis pink-gray look like?
The fruiting bodies do not have a clearly defined shape. Outwardly, they resemble open shells with jagged edges or dried, curled leaves.
This variety does not have legs. The hat is quite thin, pale pink with an admixture of ocher tones. In old fruiting bodies it darkens, acquiring a brown color. In young specimens they are covered with a kind of down, which subsequently disappears completely. The diameter of the cap is on average 2-4 cm.
The thickness of the cap can reach 1-2 mm
Where and how does it grow
In Russia, this species is found almost everywhere, however, most often it can be found within the middle zone.Skeletocutis pink-gray settles mainly on fallen trees, preferring coniferous crops: spruce and pine. It is found much less frequently on deciduous tree trunks.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Skeletocutis pink-gray is classified as an inedible species. Its pulp cannot be eaten either fresh or after heat treatment.
Doubles and their differences
Fir trihaptum (lat. Trichaptum abietinum) is one of the most common counterparts of pink-gray skeletocutis. The main difference is the color of the cap - in Trihaptum it is brownish-purple. It grows in dense clusters, the width of which can be 20-30 cm, however, individual fruiting bodies grow only up to 2-3 cm in diameter. The false variety grows on dead wood and old rotten stumps.
Fir trihaptum is not suitable for consumption even after heat treatment or salting.
Sometimes the mushroom is covered with a thin layer of moss, usually closer to the base
Another false subspecies is Skeletocutis amorpha. The difference is that the fused mass of twins is more uniform and resembles an outwardly viscous spot. The color is generally lighter, creamy ocher. The hymenophore is yellowish-orange. Old copies are painted in gray tones.
The false double grows in coniferous forests, on fallen trunks. It is not eaten.
Young fruiting bodies of this twin can also grow together into large shapeless masses
Conclusion
Skeletocutis pink-gray is an inedible mushroom that should not be eaten in any form. Representatives similar to it also have no value from a culinary point of view.
