Real tinder fungus - a description of where the fungus grows, where it grows

The content of the article

1 Description
2 Places of growth
3 Mushroom properties
4 False representative
5 Video: real fungus (Fomes fomentarius)

The real fungus (Latin name Fomes fomentarius). This mushroom from the Fomez clan should not be eaten. Since ancient times, it has been used in everyday life for the manufacture of hats, as well as a highly flammable tinder, which is why it has become widespread and very famous.

Description

The real tinder resembles the growth of a tree trunk. Like a parasite, it settles on birch, aspen, beech, weakening them and creating foci of rot in the trunks. The result of exposure to the fungus is the destruction of wood tissue.

Its fruiting body is distinguished by its large size and high density of woody structure. Its shape changes over time from semicircular to hoof-shaped, the radius varies between 2.5 - 20 centimeters, the height can reach 20 centimeters. The leg of the tinder fungus is absent, so it is attached to the bark of the tree with the lateral parts of the fruiting body.

The texture of the mushroom is mostly smooth due to the dense coating of the hat, which is painted in different shades of gray matte color. However, on its surface there are recesses and cracks, characterized by darkening of the main skin color.

The mushroom slice shows a velvety to the touch and fruity smelling mushroom pulp of dense consistency. Characteristic for it are various shades of yellow and brown colors. Pressing on the spores leads to a change in color to darker shades.

The flat white lower surface of the fruiting body has its own name - hymenophore. It represents annually updated layers of tubules. The effect of time is reflected in the color change of the hymenophore to yellow.

Places of growth

The main feature of this representative of the kingdom of mushrooms is its ability to grow throughout all seasons of the year. Fruit bodies of polypore met on stumps and old deciduous trees. The epicenters of the spread of the fungus are the territories of the northern hemisphere; therefore, it is well known to European countries. Located on two continents, Russia is no exception.

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Mushroom properties

The real fungus is an inedible mushroom. However, this does not detract from its merits. So, among the people the mushroom was nicknamed “blood sponge”, because it has the ability to stop bleeding. Consisting of fiber tubes, the tinder fungus absorbs blood well, performing the functional purpose of the bandage dressing. The use of the fungus for medicinal purposes led to its export outside the country and gave it the title of “king” among other medicinal mushrooms and plants.

One of the first beneficial properties of the fungus was discovered by the Greeks. The real tinder was a high price in the ancient Greek policies, as residents believed in its healing properties. For example, the doctor Dioscorides believed that the tinder fungus helps to restore physical strength with severe fatigue. Of particular interest is the story associated with the name of King Mithridates. The ruler constantly used the infusion of this fungus inside, because he believed that this helps prevent the possibility of poisoning. Such a responsible attitude to his health did not allow him to commit suicide with the help of poison one day. King Mithridates did not even succeed in causing digestive disorders due to the preventive measures of the healing properties of the tinder fungus infusion.

Modern medical research makes it possible to relate to ancient Greek legends with confidence, since they confirm the possibility of the removal of toxins by the real tinder by means of the agaric acid contained in them.This scientific fact has been confirmed through experiments carried out by rat scientists. The use of chopped tinder fungus by experimental animals led to the conclusion of harmful substances accumulated over the years from their organisms.

In addition, mushroom infusions prepared under the clear guidance of physicians improve the functioning of the liver and lungs. Chinese drugs, which are based on real tinder, are used for excess weight, loose stools and impotence. They have a beneficial effect on skin rejuvenation, strengthening of hair and nail plates. Be careful! Such drugs are contraindicated in women during pregnancy or in mothers during breastfeeding.

The real tinder is beneficial not only for healing properties. It is also used in handicraft production as the basis for the manufacture of souvenirs. Beekeepers melt the smoker's tinder.

False representative

The real tinder is an original representative among other mushrooms. However, its unusual properties did not become an obstacle to the appearance of a double, dubbed the tinder fungus (lat. Phellius igniarius). Outwardly similar, they easily differ from each other in this way: the real tinder is easily disconnected from the tree, unlike the “twin brother”.

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