Serpula weeping (Serpula lacrymans) photo and description

Weeping serpula (Serpula lacrymans)

fruiting body:

the fruiting body of the Weeping Serpula is rather shapeless and one might even say ugly. On a horizontal surface, the body is prostrate or sloping. On a vertical surface – drop-shaped. Sometimes the fruiting body seems to be trying, though unsuccessfully, to take the hoof-shaped form traditional for tinder fungi. The size of the fruiting body is from ten to thirty centimeters, while the fruiting bodies can merge, forming a homogeneous mass of the global fruiting body. Young fruiting bodies are white and look like formations between logs. Approximately the same as the Yellow Tinder, only white. Then, in the middle part, a tuberous, unevenly tubular brown hymenophore is formed, which produces separate outgrowths, like small fruiting bodies with a brown core and a white edge. Along the edges of the mushroom, you can see drops of liquid, due to which Serpula Weeping got its name.

Pulp:

the pulp is loose, wadded, very soft. The mushroom has a heavy smell, similar to the smell of damp, dug up earth.

Hymenophore:

labyrinth, tubular. At the same time, it is considered tubular for the most part conditionally. The hymenophore is extremely unstable. It is located in the central part of the fruiting body, if the body is in a horizontal position. Otherwise, it is located where it will turn out.

Spore Powder:

brown.

Spread:

Serpula Weeping is found in poorly ventilated buildings. It bears fruit throughout the warm period. If the room is heated, it can bear fruit all year round. Serpula destroys any wood with great speed. The presence of the house fungus is indicated by a thin layer of reddish-brown spore powder on all surfaces, which forms before falling onto the plank floor.

Similarity:

Serpula is a completely unique mushroom, it is difficult to confuse it with other species, especially for adult specimens.

Edibility:

don’t even try.