Content
Phellinus tuberculate or tuberculate (Plum false polypore) is a perennial tree fungus of the genus Phellinus, family Hymenochaetae. Latin name: Phellinus igniarius. It grows mainly on trees of the Rosaceae family, most often on plums, cherry plums, cherries, and apricots.
What does Phellinus tuberculate look like?
The fruit body of Phellinus tuberculate is hard, woody, brown, finely porous, small in size (about 3-7 cm in diameter). It grows in height up to 10-12 cm.The shape of the fruiting body is cushion-shaped, prostrate or prostrate-bent, with blunt edges. The cross-section is triangular or hoof-shaped.
Young Phellinus tuberculate
At an early age, the surface of the cap of the plum false polypore is tender and velvety. When more mature, it becomes covered with a hard black crust and cracks. On very old specimens, a green coating of algae sometimes appears.
The shape of the fruiting body is hoof-shaped
The flesh of Phellinus tubercata comes in a variety of colors:
- light brown;
- brown;
- red;
- gray;
- black.
On the underside of the surface of the mushroom there are cracks and protrusions. The hymenphora of the false plum polypore is tubular and layered. The same color as the mushroom tissue. The tubes grow every year. On average, the thickness of one layer is 50-60 mm. The color of the tubes varies from reddish brown to chestnut. The pores of Phellinus tubercata are small and round. The spores are smooth, spherical, colorless or light yellow. The spore powder is white or yellowish.
Where and how does it grow
False plum polypore is a perennial fungus. Grows on living and dead trees, as well as stumps. Most often found in mixed plantings. The area of attachment of the fungus is wide. Phellinus tuberculate grows singly or in large colonies, covering large areas of tree trunks. It is found in the northern regions of Russia, with a temperate climate.
Species growing on dying trees
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Phellinus tuberculate belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. The structure of the pulp and its taste do not allow it to be eaten.
Doubles and their differences
Many tinder fungi are similar to each other. Sometimes they differ only in shape and place of growth, choosing a certain type of tree.
Phellinus tuberculate counterparts:
- Flat tinder fungus (Ganoderma applanatum) – the surface of the crust is matte chocolate or dark brown. The spores darken when pressed. Inedible. Used in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Bordered tinder fungus (Fomitopsis pinicola) - there are red-yellow stripes along the edge of the fruiting body. Inedible. Used to make homeopathic medicines and mushroom flavoring.
Conclusion
Phellinus tuberculate often provokes the occurrence of dangerous tree diseases, in particular, such as white and yellow rot. As a result of their colonization on living trees, about 80-100% of the tracts die, which causes significant damage to forestry, gardening and packing.
