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Pycnoporus cinnabarinus is a saprophytic bracket fungus in the family Polyporaceae. It is found on dead hardwoods and is characterized by its bright reddish-orange color. While not considered toxic, it is inedible due to its tough texture.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap surface is bright reddish-orange to cinnabar in color, fading with age. It is typically smooth to slightly velvety in texture. The shape is semicircular to kidney-shaped.
- Gills
- This is a polypore, so it has pores instead of gills. The pore surface is bright reddish-orange, with small, angular pores.
- Stem
- Absent. This fungus is sessile, meaning it lacks a stem.
- Flesh
- The flesh is tough and fibrous, with a similar reddish-orange color to the cap.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a bracket or shelf-like structure, typically 2-10 cm wide and 1-3 cm thick. It is attached laterally to the wood substrate.
- Habitat
- Grows on dead hardwood trees, especially birch and beech. It is a saprophyte, meaning it obtains nutrients from decaying organic matter.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly velvety
- Growth Form: Bracket/Shelf
- Spore Print: White to pale yellow
- Body color: Reddish-orange
- Odor: Faint
- Flesh bruises: No bruising reaction
- Height: 1-3 cm thick
- Cap Diameter: 2-10 cm wide
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeNot considered toxic, but inedible due to its tough texture.
Quick Check
- Odor: Faint, not distinctive.
- Fruiting: Year-round, but most common in warmer months.
- Substrate: Dead hardwood, especially birch and beech.
Where to Find
North America
Common throughout North America, particularly in deciduous forests.
Europe
Found in many European countries, often in similar habitats to North America.
Finding Tips
Look for Color
The bright reddish-orange color is a key identifier, especially on dead hardwood.
Check Hardwoods
Focus your search on fallen or standing dead hardwood trees, such as birch and beech.
Similar Species
Cinnabar Polypore
bracket fungus
Also known as: Trametes cinnabarina
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Polyporales
- Family
- Polyporaceae
- Genus
- Pycnoporus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
Not applicable, as this fungus is inedible.
Explore Red- তালিকাPored Bracket
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