Content
Stiff-haired trametes (Trametes hirsuta) is a tree fungus of the Polyporov family, belongs to the Tinder genus. Its other names:
- Boletus is rough;
- Polyporus is rough;
- The sponge is hard-haired;
- Tinder fungus harsh-haired.
Although the mushroom is an annual, during mild winters it can survive until the next season.
Harsh-haired trametess in an autumn deciduous forest
What does hard haired trametess look like?
The harsh-haired trameteus usually grows to the substrate with its lateral part. In rare cases, on horizontal surfaces, the cap has an outstretched shape. Only the fruiting bodies that have appeared are shell-like, with jagged edges. As it grows, the cap straightens out, completely in contact with the flat side surface with the substrate, the edges become even, slightly wavy. Its diameter is from 3 to 15 cm, its thickness ranges from 0.3 to 2 cm.
The surface is flat, with distinct concentric stripes of various widths. Dense, covered with hard, long fibers. The color is uneven, stripes, various shades of light gray. The pubescence can be snow-white, grayish, yellowish-cream, greenish. The edge of the cap is light brown, pubescent. The leg is missing.
The lower part is spongy, the pores are rather large, with elastic dense septa, which become thinner and more fragile with age. The color is beige-reddish, white-gray, shades of baked milk or milk chocolate. The surface is uneven, covered with hard white-silvery fibers.
The pulp is thin, consists of two distinct layers: a grayish, fibrous-soft upper and a light woody lower.
Young growth of Tinder fungus harsh looks like a scattering of fancifully cut petals
Where and how it grows
Widely distributed in deciduous and mixed forests, parks and gardens of temperate climatic zones of Russia, Europe, North America. Prefers dead deciduous wood, occasionally settles on coniferous trees. Inhabits dead wood, old stumps, fallen trunks. It also grows on still living, weakened, dying trees, preferring the following species:
- bird cherry and mountain ash;
- pear, apple tree;
- poplar, aspen;
- oak and beech.
The period of active growth of mycelium begins in May and lasts until September-October. The harsh-haired trametess is not picky about weather conditions, it loves humid, shaded places. It settles singly and in dense groups, forming roof-like growths.
Sometimes harsh haired tramestones can be found on rotten fences and various wooden buildings.
Is the mushroom edible or not
Harsh trametess is classified as an inedible species due to its low nutritional value and tough, tasteless pulp. No toxic substances were found in its composition. It is actively used in the textile, food and cosmetic industries due to the substance it contains - laccase.
These beautiful specimens are not suitable as a snack.
Doubles and their differences
At a cursory glance, the trametez can be confused with some pubescent species of tinder fungus. However, a detailed examination reveals significant differences. No poisonous twins were found in this fruiting body.
Fluffy trametes. Inedible, contains no toxic substances. It is distinguished by a yellowish or white color, fleshy, lower spongy part running down the surface of the tree and angular pores.
This fruiting body is very popular with the larvae and insects, which quickly eat it.
Cerrene monochromatic. Inedible. It has a pronounced black stripe on the pulp and different-sized, less elongated pores.
The snow-white edge of the edge and the color of the pile make the monochromatic cerrenus special
Lenzites birch. Inedible. Its main difference is the lamellar structure of the geminophore.
In young specimens, the inner side resembles a labyrinth in structure.
Conclusion
Stiffeness is widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere in areas with a temperate northern climate. Benefits forests by converting decaying tree remains into fertile soil. Its appearance is quite original, so it is difficult to confuse it with other types. Inedible, contains no poisonous substances. You can meet him at any time of the year, the peak of growth is in the summer period. The harsh-haired trametess can feel comfortable on the seams of brown coal, extracting nutrients from it.
