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The false aspen tinder fungus (Phellinus tremulae) is a perennial organism that parasitizes trees for several decades. Belongs to the Hymenochetes family, genus Phellinus. Its other names:
- Fomes igniarius, 1935;
- Fomes tremulae, 1940 г;
- Ochroporus tremulae, 1984
Important! Aspen tinder fungus causes yellow heart rot with a characteristic odor, gradually killing host trees and causing windbreaks.
Aspen tinder fungus – a dangerous biotrophic fungus
What does the tinder fungus look like
First, rounded reddish-brown, orange or gray-gray spots of irregular shape, rather small, from 0,5 to 15 cm in diameter, appear at the sites of damage to the bark or fractures. They are tightly pressed to the bark, have a glossy bubbly surface.
Aspen tinder fungus in the early stages of development
Then the fruit body acquires a hoof-shaped, thickened-disc-shaped or tortoiseshell shape. The leg is absent, the mushroom grows sideways to the surface of the tree, very densely. It takes a lot of force to pry it off. The width of the cap varies from 5 to 20 cm, the thickness at the base is up to 12 cm, and the length can be up to 26 cm. The upper part is flat or sloping, with distinct concentric relief stripes of various widths. The crust is glossy, dry, smooth, covered with a network of rather deep cracks with age. The color is gray-greenish, black, ashen, dirty beige.
The edge may be sharp, rounded or ridged. It has a lighter color – whitish-gray, yellowish, red. The geminophore is tubular, finely porous. The surface is silky, glossy, bumpy or evenly rounded. The color changes with age from ocher-red and brownish-red to light gray with brown spots in old age. Spores whitish or yellowish.
The pulp is woody, brown-brown or reddish-dark. The lower spongy layer can be relatively thin or have a pillow-like shape extended along the substrate.
Aspen tinder fungus sometimes looks like a sloppy flattened-broken outgrowth on a tree trunk
Where does the tinder fungus grow
The aspen tinder fungus is a pathogenic fungus that specializes mainly on aspens. It affects trees over 25 years old, in old aspen forests it can spread at high speed, infecting up to 85% of the forest. The fungus grows inside the tree, occupying the entire central part and forming outgrowths on broken branches and along the entire length of the trunk.
Fruit bodies are found in aspen forests, old plantings and parks in Our Country and Europe, Asia and America. They grow on live, weakened or damaged trees, old stumps, fallen trunks, deadwood. You can see this perennial throughout the year. The active development of the mycelium begins in May and continues until the autumn frosts in October-November.
In unfavorable years, the development of the mycelium stops, and a few fruiting bodies grow deformed.
In rare cases, aspen tinder grows on poplars
Is it possible to eat mushroom tinder fungus
The aspen tinder fungus is classified as an inedible species. Its flesh is bitter, cork-like, hard, and has no culinary value. The biologically active substances contained in the fruiting body make it possible to use it for medicinal purposes.
Medicinal properties and use of aspen tinder fungus
Aspen tinder fungus is used in folk medicine as a remedy for diseases of the genitourinary system. It helps with the following problems:
- inflammation of the prostate gland;
- urinary incontinence, cirrhosis and hepatitis of the liver;
- to remove toxins from the body, normalize metabolism;
- in inflammatory processes and diabetes mellitus.
To prepare a healing infusion, you need to grind a fresh mushroom.
- For 40 g of raw materials, take 0,6 liters of water, bring to a boil over low heat and cook for 20-25 minutes.
- Close tightly and leave for at least 4 hours.
Take 1 tbsp. l. 40-50 minutes before each meal. With enuresis – 40 ml of decoction before bedtime. The course of treatment is 2 weeks, then you need to take a break of at least 7 days. Treatment can be continued until 900 g of the fungus has been used.
The decoction can be used for external compresses. They perfectly relieve pain and inflammation in the joints and gout. Promote the healing of trophic ulcers, boils and wounds. Gargling of the throat and mouth is also indicated for stomatitis, sores, inflammations and tonsillitis.
Contraindications to the use of aspen tinder fungus
In addition to medicinal properties, aspen tinder fungus also has contraindications. With great care, drugs based on it should be used by people prone to allergic reactions: rashes, itching, urticaria are possible. It is also prohibited to use tinder fungus in the following cases:
- pregnant and lactating women;
- children under 12 years old;
- persons suffering from urolithiasis;
- with diarrhea, intestinal disorders.
Improper treatment and excess dosages can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
The original growth, similar to elephant legs
Conclusion
The aspen tinder fungus is a parasitic tree fungus and settles exclusively on adult aspens. It is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including the territory of the Federation. The fruiting body is inedible due to the hard, woody flesh and bitter taste. Does not contain toxic substances. Aspen tinder fungus is used in folk medicine and has a number of contraindications. Before using decoctions and infusions with it, you should consult a specialist.
