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Variable tinder fungus (Cerioporus varius) is a member of the Polypore family, the genus Cerioporus. The synonym of this name is Polyporus varius. This species is one of the most mysterious and little studied among all polypore fungi. Despite the very pleasant appearance and aroma, this specimen does not belong in the general basket.
Description of the variable tinder fungus
The specimen has a pleasant mushroom aroma.
The fruit bodies of the tinder fungus are small, presented in the form of a small cap and a thin stem. Spores are smooth, cylindrical and transparent. Spore powder white. Differs in elastic, thin and leathery pulp with pleasant mushroom aroma.
Cap Description
The spore-bearing layer is finely porous, light ocher in color.
The cap of this specimen is prostrate with a deep central depression, it reaches no more than 5 cm in diameter. At the initial stage of development, its edges are tucked up, a little later they open. It is painted in yellow-brown or ocher color, with time it acquires faded shades. The cap is smooth, fleshy in the center and thin at the edges, in old mushrooms it is fibrous. In wet weather, the surface is shiny, sometimes radial stripes appear. On the inside there are small tubules of a light ocher color, slightly descending to the stem.
Description of the leg
The flesh of this specimen is firm, while the old ones are woody.
The leg of the variable tinder fungus is straight and rather long, reaching a height of up to 7 cm, and a thickness of up to 8 mm. Slightly widens at the top. In most cases, it is located in the center, rarely – eccentric. Velvety to the touch, especially at the base. The structure is dense and fibrous. Painted in black or dark brown.
Where and how to grow
The favorite habitats of the tinder fungus are deciduous forests, especially where birch, oak and beech grow. It is also quite common on stumps, fallen branches and the remains of trees of any species. It settles not only in the forest, but also in parks and gardens. Being located on wood, this species thereby contributes to the occurrence of white rot. The optimal time for fruiting is from July to October. As a rule, it grows in the temperate northern zone. However, it is found in different parts of not only Our Country, but also abroad. It can grow both singly and in groups.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The polypore fungus belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. Despite the pleasant aroma, it has no nutritional value.
The species in question is not poisonous, but due to the hard pulp it is not suitable for food.
Twins and their differences
The variable tinder fungus is similar in appearance to the following gifts of the forest:
- Trutovik chestnut – inedible. The size of the fruiting body differs markedly from the variable one. So, in diameter, the double’s hat varies from 15 to 25 cm. In addition, in this species, the leg is painted completely black. Quite often it can be found together with scaly tinder fungi.
- May polypore – an inedible copy that begins its development in May. Similar in tube color and cap shape to the species in question. You can distinguish a double by a scaly gray-brown leg.
- Tinder fungus winter – is considered inedible because of the hard pulp. The spore-bearing layer is finely porous, white or cream in color. Despite the name, fruiting occurs from spring to autumn. The leg of this specimen is velvety, gray-brown, which is a distinctive feature from the species in question. You can also recognize the double by the gray-brown or brown color of the hat.
Conclusion
Tinder fungus is a specimen that shows a radial pattern on the cap. It is quite easy to confuse with some other tinder fungi, however, the distinguishing features are a tubular white layer, fine pores, and a black and velvety stalk at the base. In any case, all the varieties considered are not suitable for consumption, and therefore should not fall into the general basket for edible mushrooms.