Content
The false tinder fungus belongs to the genus Fellinus and the Fellin family. It is found in forests in the Northern Hemisphere. The properties of the false tinder fungus are due to the peculiarities of the chemical composition. It is actively used in folk medicine.
What it looks like and where it grows
A false tinder fungus is understood as a whole complex of varieties of mushrooms that grow on trees of many species. They are usually found on willow, birch and alder. The mushroom growing on an aspen is a separate species.
False or burnt polypores are classified as a common perennial, which is a parasite. The length of the fruiting body can be 25 cm. It is noteworthy that mushrooms can grow for decades. Their form depends on age characteristics and can be:
- rounded;
- hoof;
- prostrate;
- flat;
- cushion.
The matte surface is not even. In old mushrooms, it often includes cracks. The fruiting body is formed by several ridges. The lower part of the false tinder fungus is black, brown or gray in color.
The leg of the tinder fungus is absent. The fungus is tightly attached to the wood by the fruiting body. The spore powder is white or yellowish. The spore-bearing layer has a tubular structure and reddish or brown shades. It is updated annually.
Tinder fungus has a very hard pulp with a woody consistency. It has a rusty color. The fungus is found in European countries. It is also common in Russia. The parasite can grow on dry and live wood all year round. It can be seen in forests, parks, near ponds.
After infection of trees, the mycelium develops quite quickly. Spore penetration occurs through cracks in the bark. Decomposition of lignin and cellulose causes yellowish rot. After the death of the tree, the false tinder fungus functions as a saprophyte, and not a parasite. Thus, the fungus begins to decompose the dead wood.
The fungus bears similarities to other species. External characteristics resemble a real tinder fungus. However, the fruiting body adheres completely to the wood on one side.
False and real polypores have similar forms of fruit bodies, which are perennial. There is no leg in these species; attachment to the tree is noted exclusively on one side. Mushrooms are round when young. Gradually, they acquire a cushion and hoof-like shape.
However, the true tinder fungus has a light gray surface and an almost white spore-bearing tubular layer. The fruit bodies of the false species are almost black. The spore-bearing layer is distinguished by a rusty-brown tint.
Is it possible to eat a mushroom
Fruiting bodies are not eaten. The parasite is not used for agricultural purposes. It damages industrial wood. Infection occurs when the bark is damaged or branches are broken off, which is manifested by the appearance of a brown color.Then areas of yellowish color appear, which are then complemented by lines of black color.
Chemical composition
The main component found in the fruit bodies is called a polysaccharide. False polypore also includes the following substances:
- galactose;
- fucose;
- arabinose;
- mannose;
- sterols;
- fatty acid;
- flavones;
- coumarin compounds;
- caffeic acid, syringic acid;
- scopoletin;
- isoergosterone.
The listed components cause antitumor, immunostimulating, hepatoprotective effects. Fruiting bodies are distinguished by antioxidant effects. Mushrooms are recommended to be included in the complex treatment of joint diseases.
Medicinal properties and use of false tinder fungus in medicine
In folk medicine, fruiting bodies are used as a hemostatic agent. They are widely used in the field of gynecology. One of the indications is uterine bleeding. Means based on a false tinder fungus help to eliminate tumors. They are recommended as part of a combination therapy for malignant neoplasms. Taking drugs from fruiting bodies helps prevent metastases.
Potions help improve digestion. The fungus contains components that have a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system. Extract of powder from fruit bodies is prescribed for liver diseases.
Contraindications and possible harm
The preservation of useful qualities depends on compliance with the rules for picking mushrooms. Fruit bodies are mainly small in size for medical use. They are cut into small pieces and dried. Healing tea can be made from raw materials.
Aspen tinder fungus has both medicinal properties and contraindications. The mushroom is not eaten due to the peculiarities of the texture of the pulp. Medicinal compositions are used with caution during pregnancy and lactation. The use of products made on the basis of tinder fungus is prohibited in children under 12 years of age. It is undesirable to drink drugs for urolithiasis and diarrhea.
Conclusion
The healing properties of the false tinder fungus have been proven by scientific research. The fungus is a saprophyte. It decomposes wood, which allows the constituent substances to become available for assimilation by various plants. Fruit bodies often cause significant damage due to damage to living trees. The destruction of cellulose and lignin leads to their death. However, the mushroom is also considered a medicine. The preparations made on the basis of fruiting bodies are distinguished by hepatoprotective and antitumor effects.
