Content
Tiromyces snow-white is an annual saprophytic mushroom that belongs to the Polyporaceae family. It grows singly or in several specimens, which eventually grow together. In official sources it can be found as Tyromyces chioneus. Other names:
- Boletus candidus;
- Polyporus albellus;
- Ungularia chionea.
What does tiromyces white look like?
Tiromyces snow-white is distinguished by the unusual structure of the fruiting body, as it consists only of a convex sessile cap of a triangular cross-section. Its width reaches 12 cm, and its thickness does not exceed 8 cm. The edge is sharp, slightly wavy.
In young specimens, the surface is velvety, but as the mushroom matures, it becomes completely bare, and in overripe thyromyces, wrinkled skin can be seen. The fruit body at the initial stage of growth has a whitish tint, later it turns yellow and acquires a brown tint. In addition, clearly defined black dots appear on the surface over time.
When cut, the flesh is white, fleshy, watery. When dried, it becomes dense fibrous, and with slight physical impact it begins to crumble. In addition, dry tiromyces snow-white has an unpleasant sweet and sour odor, which is absent in its fresh form.
The hymenophore of Tiromyces alba is tubular. The pores are thin-walled and can be round or angular-elongated. Initially their color is snow-white, but when ripe they become yellowish-beige. Spores are smooth, cylindrical. Their size is 4-5 x 1.5-2 microns.
Thyromyces white promotes the development of white rot
Where and how does it grow
The fruiting period for tiromyces snow-white begins at the end of summer and continues until late autumn. This fungus can be found on dead wood of deciduous trees, mainly on dead wood. Most often it is found on birch trunks, less often on pine and fir.
Thyromyces white is widespread in the boreal zone of Europe, Asia, and North America. In Russia it is found from the west of the European part to the Far East.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Thyromyces white is considered inedible. It is strictly prohibited to eat it either in fresh or processed form.
Doubles and their differences
Based on its external characteristics, white thyromyces can be confused with other mushrooms. Therefore, in order to be able to distinguish doubles, you need to know their characteristic features.
Postia astringent. This lookalike is a representative of the Fomitopsis family and is found everywhere. Its peculiarity is that young specimens are able to secrete drops of liquid, creating the impression that the mushroom is “crying”. The double is also annual, but its fruiting body is much larger and can reach 20 cm in diameter. The color of postia astringent is milky white. The pulp is juicy, fleshy, and tastes bitter. The mushroom is considered inedible. The fruiting period begins in July and lasts until the end of October. The official name is Postia stiptica.
Postia astringentus grows mainly on the trunks of coniferous trees
Aurantiporus fissile. This lookalike is a close relative of Tiromyces alba and also belongs to the Polyporaceae family. The fruiting body is large, its width can be 20 cm. The mushroom has a prostrate shape in the form of a hoof. Its color is white with a pink tint. This species is considered inedible. Aurantiporus fissensus grows on deciduous trees, mainly birch and aspen, and sometimes on apple trees. The official name is Aurantiporus fissilis.
Aurantiporus fissile has very juicy, fleshy, white flesh.
Conclusion
White tiromyces belongs to the category of woody inedible mushrooms, so it is not popular among lovers of quiet hunting. But it is of interest to mycologists, since its properties have not been fully studied. Therefore, research continues on the medicinal properties of the mushroom.
