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Tyromyces chioneus is a species of bracket fungus in the family Polyporaceae. It is characterized by its white to cream-colored, fleshy, and often irregularly shaped fruit bodies. This fungus typically grows on decaying hardwood trees, causing a white rot. The caps are usually smooth and can be quite variable in size and shape. The pore surface is white, and the pores are small and round. The flesh is soft and watery when fresh, becoming more brittle when dry. It is not generally considered edible due to its texture and taste.
How to Identify
- Cap
- White to cream-colored, smooth, and irregularly shaped. Can be quite variable in size.
- Gills
- N/A (Pores instead of gills). Small, round, and white.
- Stem
- Absent (Sessile)
- Flesh
- Soft and watery when fresh, becoming brittle when dry.
- Fruiting body
- Bracket-like, growing on decaying hardwood.
- Habitat
- Decaying hardwood trees, causing white rot.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Bracket-like
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: White to cream
- Odor: Mild, fungal
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising
- Height: Variable, up to 10 cm
- Cap Diameter: Variable, up to 20 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeNot known to be toxic, but not recommended for consumption due to its texture and taste.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, fungal
- Fruiting: Bracket-like on hardwood
- Substrate: Decaying hardwood
Where to Find
North America
Decaying hardwood logs and branches in forests.
Europe
Wooded areas with a variety of deciduous trees.
Finding Tips
Habitat
Look for white, fleshy brackets on fallen logs or standing dead trees.
Pore Surface
Check for small, round pores on the underside of the bracket.
Texture
Note the soft, watery texture of the fresh fungus.
Similar Species
Laetiporus sulphureus
Bracket fungus
Also known as: Chicken of the Woods
Fomitopsis betulina
Bracket fungus
Also known as: Birch Polypore
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Polyporales
- Family
- Polyporaceae
- Genus
- Tyromyces
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A (Not typically stored for consumption)
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A (Not typically stored for consumption)
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
Cleaning is not typically relevant as this fungus is not commonly consumed. If needed for study, gently brush off any debris.
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