Poronidulus conchifer
Description
Poronidulus conchifer thrives on the decaying branches of hardwood trees, particularly elm species. As it reaches maturity, it develops a delicate cap reminiscent of a miniature Trametes versicolor, showcasing concentrically patterned furrows alternating in shades of brown and white. This cap transformation eventually leads to the cup shape becoming enveloped in the growth process. The surface containing pores is notably thin and smooth, initially appearing whitish and gradually adopting a pale yellowish hue as it ages. Its spore print presents a characteristic white coloration. This fungus actively engages in white rot, contributing to the breakdown of cellulose-rich materials. Taxonomically, Poronidulus conchifer finds its place within the Polyporaceae family of the Polyporales order.
Common names: Little Nest Polypore.
Mushroom Identification
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Cup Shape
Ranging from saucer to cup-like, with a diameter of up to about 15 mm. The upper surface varies from white to brown, typically exhibiting color zones, and it appears smooth. The undersurface is white, accompanied by a small stem-like structure.
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Cap
The cap can reach dimensions of up to 1.97 inches (5 cm) across and 1.18 inches (3 cm) in depth. It takes on a semicircular, irregularly bracket-shaped, or kidney-shaped appearance. Occasionally, the caps may fuse laterally with each other. The cap is devoid of hair and displays radial furrows and wrinkles. Its color ranges from whitish to pale brownish, displaying concentric color zones.
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Pore Surface
Initially white, the pore surface may develop a slightly yellowish tint as it ages. It features 2-4 circular to angular pores per millimeter, with tubes extending up to 2 mm in depth.
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Flesh
The flesh of this fungus is white and possesses a relatively tough texture.
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Odor and Taste
The odor and taste of this fungus are not distinctive.
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Spore Print
The spore print is white.
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Habitat
This fungus thrives saprobically on the decaying wood of hardwood trees, primarily elms. It appears annually, causing a form of white rot. It forms clusters on branches, logs, and stumps, and can be found growing from spring to fall. It is primarily distributed in Europe and North America.
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Chemical Reactions
When subjected to KOH on the flesh, it exhibits a negative to yellowish response.
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Microscopic Features
The spores are cylindrical, smooth, and measure 5-7 x 1.5-2 µ. They lack amyloid features. Cystidia are absent. The hyphal system is trimitic. The fungus produces asexual spores through rod-shaped structures within the cups, measuring 3-8 x 3 µ.
Synonyms
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Boletus conchifer Schwein.
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Coriolus conchifer (Schwein.) G. Cunn.
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Microporus conchifer (Schwein.) Kuntze
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Polyporus conchifer (Schwein.) Fr.
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Polystictus conchifer (Schwein.) Cooke
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Trametes conchifer (Schwein.) Pilát
Photo sources:
Photo 1 - Author: Alan Rockefeller (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Photo 2 - Author: Katy Swiere (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 3 - Author: Anna Hess (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 4 - Author: Jeff Clark (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 5 - Author: Gordon C. Snelling (CC BY 4.0)
Shape: Shell-shapedPolypore
Surface:Smooth