Phellinus tuberculosus - an arboreal pest of fruit trees - a nuisance for fruit growers

This species of fungus has no health properties, it is not edible, but it is a pest of fruit trees and a nuisance to fruit growers. It feeds not only on dead trees, but also on living ones, causing white rot of wood and dying of affected branches or trees.

His favorite fruit tree is plum, but he also appears on cherry, cherry, apricot, pear and apple trees.

The fungus is perennial, often growing in clusters, occupying a large area of branches or trunk. Its shape varies, from kidney-shaped, similar to the classic polypore, through semicircular or hoofed.

The upper surface of the mushroom is slightly mossy, has a greyish, sandy color that changes to chestnut with age. Older fruiting bodies may be cracked.

The flesh has a rusty, red color. It's corky. This fungus produces chloromethane, a corrosive and intoxicating substance that breaks down the wood of its hosts. The smell is almost imperceptible, and the taste of the mushroom, tart, sour - unpleasant.

Flesh-colored tubes are about 3 mm long. The fungus is quite common. It has no culinary value, although it is not poisonous. Due to the structure, hardness and flesh resembling cork or wood, it is not suitable for consumption.