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The variable tinder fungus (Cerioporus varius) is a representative of the Polyporoid family, genus Cerioporus. A synonym for this name is Polyporus varius. This species is one of the most mysterious and poorly studied among all tinder fungi. Despite its very pleasant appearance and aroma, this specimen has no place in the general basket.
Description of the variable tinder fungus
The specimen has a pleasant mushroom aroma
The fruiting bodies of the tinder fungus are small, presented in the form of a small cap and a thin stalk. The spores are smooth, cylindrical and transparent. White spore powder. It is distinguished by elastic, thin and leathery pulp with a pleasant mushroom aroma.
Description of the cap
The spore-bearing layer is finely porous, light ocher in color
The cap of this specimen is spread out with a deep central cavity, reaching no more than 5 cm in diameter. At the initial stage of development, its edges are tucked in, and a little later they open up. It is colored yellow-brown or ocher, becoming faded over time. The cap is smooth, fleshy in the center and thin at the edges; in old mushrooms it is fibrous. In wet weather, the surface is shiny, sometimes radial stripes appear. On the inside there are small tubes of light ocher color, slightly descending onto the stem.
Description of the leg
The flesh of this specimen is hard, while the older ones are woody.
The leg of the tinder fungus is straight and quite long, reaching a height of up to 7 cm and a thickness of up to 8 mm. Slightly widens at the top. In most cases it is located centrally, rarely - eccentric. Velvety to the touch, especially at the base. The structure is dense and fibrous. Painted in black or dark brown.
Where and how does it grow
The favorite habitats of the tinder fungus are deciduous forests, especially where birch, oak and beech grow. It is also quite common on stumps, fallen branches and remains of trees of any species. It settles not only in the forest, but also in parks and gardens. Being located on wood, this species thereby contributes to the occurrence of white rot. The optimal time for fruiting is from July to October. As a rule, it grows in the temperate northern zone. However, it is found in different parts of not only Russia, but also beyond its borders. Can grow either singly or in groups.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The tinder fungus belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. Despite the pleasant aroma, it has no nutritional value.
The species in question is not poisonous, but due to its hard flesh it is not edible
Doubles and their differences
The variable tinder fungus is similar in appearance to the following forest gifts:
- Chestnut polypore – inedible. The size of the fruiting body is noticeably different from the variable one. Thus, the diameter of the double’s cap varies from 15 to 25 cm. In addition, in this species the leg is painted completely black. Quite often can be found together with scaly polypores.
- May tinder fungus - an inedible specimen that begins its development in May. Similar in color of the tubes and shape of the cap to the species in question. You can distinguish the double by its scaly grey-brown leg.
- Winter tinder fungus is considered inedible due to its tough flesh. The spore-bearing layer is finely porous, white or cream-colored. Despite the name, fruiting occurs from spring to autumn. The leg of this specimen is velvety, gray-brown, which is a distinctive feature of the species in question. You can also recognize the double by the gray-brown or brown color of the cap.
Conclusion
The variable tinder fungus is a specimen that exhibits a radial pattern on its cap. It is quite easy to confuse it with some other polypores, but the distinguishing features are a tubular white layer, small pores, and a black and velvety stalk at the base. In any case, all the varieties considered are not suitable for consumption, and therefore should not be included in the general basket of edible mushrooms.
