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Phellinus tuberculate or tuberculate (Plum false tinder fungus) is a perennial tree fungus of the genus Phellinus, family Hymenochetes. The Latin name is Phellinus igniarius. It grows mainly on trees of the Rosaceae family, most often on plums, cherry plums, cherries, apricots.
What does fellinus tuberculate look like?
The fruit body of Phellinus tuberculate is hard, woody, brown, finely porous, small in size (about 3-7 cm in diameter). It grows up to 10-12 cm in height. The shape of the fruiting body is cushion-shaped, prostrate or prostrate-bent, with blunt edges. Triangular or hoof-shaped in cross section.
Young fellinus tuberculate
At an early age, the surface of the cap of the plum false tinder fungus is tender, velvety. In a more mature one, it is covered with a hard black crust and cracks. On very old specimens, a green coating of algae sometimes appears.
The shape of the fruiting body is hoof-shaped
The pulp of Phellinus tuberculate comes in a variety of colors:
- light brown;
- brown;
- red;
- gray;
- black
From the underside, cracks and protrusions are located on the surface of the fungus. The hymenphorus of the false plum tinder fungus is tubular, layered. The same color as the tissue of the fungus. Every year there is an increase in tubules. On average, the thickness of one layer is 50-60 mm. The tubules vary in color from tan to chestnut. The pores of Phellinus tuberculate are small, rounded. Spores are smooth, spherical, colorless or light yellow. Spore powder is white or yellowish.
Where and how to grow
False plum fungus is a perennial mushroom. It grows on living and dead trees, as well as stumps. Most often found in mixed stands. The area of attachment of the fungus is wide. Phellinus tuberculate grows singly or in large colonies, covering large areas of tree trunks. It is found in the northern regions of Our Country, with a temperate climate.
Growing view on dying trees
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Phellinus tuberculate belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. The structure of the pulp and its taste do not allow it to be eaten.
Twins and their differences
Many tinder fungi are similar to each other. Sometimes they differ only in shape and place of growth, choosing a certain type of tree.
Twins of fellinus tuberculate:
- Flat tinder fungus (Ganoderma applanatum) – the surface of the crust is dull chocolate or dark brown. Spores darken when pressed. Inedible. Used in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Bordered polypore (Fomitopsis pinicola) – there are red-yellow stripes along the edge of the fruiting body. Inedible. It is used for the manufacture of homeopathic preparations and mushroom flavoring.
Conclusion
Phellinus tuberculate often provokes the occurrence of dangerous tree diseases, in particular, such as white and yellow rot. As a result of their settlement on living trees, about 80-100% of the massifs die, which causes significant damage to forestry, gardening and pack farming.