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Gleophyllum oblongata is one of the representatives of tinder fungi of the Gleophyllic family. Despite the fact that it grows everywhere, it is extremely rare. Therefore, in many countries it is listed in the Red Book. The official species name is Gloeophyllum protractum.
What does Gleophyllum oblongata look like?
Gleophyllum oblong, like many other tinder fungi, has a non-standard structure of the fruiting body. It consists only of an oblong flat and narrow cap, but sometimes there are triangular-shaped specimens. The fruit body is leathery in structure, but it bends well. On the surface, you can see tubercles of different sizes and concentric zones. The cap has a characteristic metallic sheen, without pubescence. The mushroom grows 10-12 cm long and 1,5-3 cm wide.
The color of gleophyllum oblong varies from yellow-brown to dirty ocher. The surface may crack as the fungus matures. The edge of the cap is lobed, slightly wavy. In color, it can be much darker than the main tone.
The hymenophore of Gleophyllum oblongata is tubular. The pores are elongated or rounded with thick walls. Their length reaches 1 cm. In young specimens, the hymenophore has an ocher hue; when pressed lightly, it darkens. Subsequently, its color changes to reddish-brown. Spores are cylindrical, flattened at the base and pointed on the other side, colorless. Their size is 8-11 (12) x 3-4 (4.5) microns.
When broken, you can see a flexible, slightly fibrous pulp. Its thickness varies within 2-5 mm, and the shade is rusty-brown, it has no smell.
Gleophyllum oblongata is an annual mushroom, but sometimes it can hibernate
Where and how to grow
This species settles on stumps, deadwood of coniferous trees, preferring trunks without bark. As an exception, it can be found on oak or poplar. It loves well-lit glades, and often settles in clearings and forests affected by fire, and is also found near human dwellings.
This mushroom grows mostly singly. On the territory of Our Country, it can be found in Karelia, Siberia and the Far East. Single finds were also recorded in the Leningrad region.
It is also found in:
- North America;
- Finland;
- Norway
- Sweden;
- Mongolia.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
This mushroom is considered inedible. It is forbidden to eat it fresh and processed.
Twins and their differences
In appearance, Gleophyllum oblong can be confused with other mushrooms. Therefore, in order to be able to distinguish twins, it is necessary to know their characteristic features.
Gleophyllum log. Its distinctive feature is the soft surface of the cap and smaller pores of the hymenophore. The double is also inedible. The fruit body has a prostrate sessile shape. In addition, individual specimens often grow together. On the surface there is an edge. Color – brown with impurities of brown or gray tint. Found on different continents. The life expectancy of log gleophyllum is 2-3 years. The official name is Gloeophyllum trabeum.
Gleophyllum log poses a danger to wooden buildings
Gleophyllum fir. This species has a sessile prostrate hat of brown or dark brown color. At the initial stage of growth, its surface is velvety. At the break, you can see the fibrous pulp of a red hue. This species causes gray rot, which eventually covers the entire tree. It can also settle on treated wood. The size of the mushroom does not exceed 6-8 cm in width and 1 cm in thickness. This double is also inedible. Its official name is Gloeophyllum abietinum.
Gleophyllum fir prefers to settle on coniferous trees
Conclusion
Gleophyllum oblong due to its inedibility is not of interest to mushroom pickers. But mycologists do not leave these fruits unattended, since their properties have not been fully studied. Therefore, research in this area continues.
