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Microporus yellow-legged is a representative of the fungal kingdom, belonging to the genus Microporus from the Polypore family. The Latin name is Microporus xanthopus, a synonym is Polyporus xanthopus. This mushroom is native to Australia.
What does microporus yellow-legged look like?
The cap of the fruiting body looks like an open umbrella. Yellow-legged microporus consists of a spreading top and a thin stem. The outer surface is dotted with small pores, hence the interesting name – microporus.
This variety is characterized by several stages of development. A white spot appears on the wood, indicating the origin of the fungus. Further, the size of the fruiting body increases, the stem is formed.
Due to the specific color of the legs, the variety received the second part of the name – yellow-legged
The thickness of the cap of an adult specimen is 1-3 mm. The color varies within brownish shades.
Where and how to grow
Australia is considered the birthplace of yellowleg microporus. The tropical climate, the presence of rotting wood – this is all that he needs for development.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
In Our Country, yellow leg microporus is not eaten. Unofficial sources indicate that the indigenous people of Malaysia use the pulp to wean small children from the breast.
Due to its unusual appearance, the fruiting body is popular with craft lovers. It is dried and used as a decorative element.
Twins and their differences
The yellow-legged microporus has no similar species, so it is very difficult to confuse it with other representatives of the fungal kingdom. The unusual structure and bright colors are individual, which makes microporus special.
Some external similarity is observed in the chestnut tinder fungus (Picipes badius). This fungus also belongs to the Polypore family, but is assigned to the genus Picipes.
Grows on fallen deciduous trees and stumps. Appears in regions with damp soils. It can be found everywhere from the end of May to the third decade of October.
The average diameter of the mushroom cap is 5-15 cm, under favorable conditions it grows up to 25 cm. The color of the cap in young specimens is light, becoming rich brown with age. The central part of the cap is slightly darker, towards the edges the shade is lighter. The surface is smooth, shiny, reminiscent of lacquered wood. During the rainy season, the hat feels oily to the touch. Creamy-white fine pores form under the cap, which turn yellow-brown with age.
The pulp of this mushroom is tough and overly elastic, so it is difficult to tear it apart with your hands.
The leg grows up to 4 cm in length, up to 2 cm in diameter. The color is dark – brown or even black. The surface is velvety.
Due to the rigid elastic structure, the mushroom has no nutritional value. The tinder fungus is harvested and dried to create crafts.
Conclusion
Yellow-legged microporus is an Australian mushroom that has practically no analogues. It is not used for food, but is used in interior design.
