El Fomesincentivius It is a fungus that is also known as “Horse helmet”. This time we are faced with a mushroom that is not edible, however it has managed to become known and is an attractive species due to its characteristics. One quality of this species is that it is a parasitic fungus that colonizes trees that are dying. Once again we have to say that nature is wise.
You really never want to wear the Fomesincentivius to your kitchen, because both the smell and, above all, the taste, are highly unpleasant. Unlike other mushrooms that are delicious to the palate, due to their texture and flavor, you will want to stay away from calves, at least culinary speaking.
Be careful, this does not mean that it cannot be useful to us. In fact, for many years rural people have resorted to it to use it as a torch for their campfires, precisely because of its flammable nature. And, another advantage is that you can find it all year round, so when you need to use it, you just have to go out to the forest to get it.
What is Fomesincentivius like?
At first it may be a little difficult for you to differentiate this fungus, because at first glance and to eyes not accustomed to the species, it simply appears to be an extension of the bark of the tree that is deformed. In any case, if you find yourself for a deciduous forest, look at those trees that are in poor condition and have symptoms of decay, because probably, the Horse helmet be close.
You will recognize it because it will be stuck to the wood or bark of the tree in question. In addition, it has a unique appearance, with a shape and colors reminiscent of a horse's hoof, with a dry gray surface. in the background and lighter edges, in yellow tones.
Another characteristic of the formes fomentius It is that it does not have a foot or peduncle, but rather lacks it and adheres to the tree through its own base. This mushroom has a fairly considerable size and can extend up to about 20 centimeters.
In addition to being a horse's hoof, you can confuse it with a large shell or there are even those who say that it is fan-shaped (imagination to the power). On the outside, it will be rough, while on the internal part or that which is attached to the bark, it will have some pores, very tiny and almost invisible to the human eye, but which serve to act as suckers and cling to the decaying tree. from which it will feed.
The mushroom has a softer texture at first, but as it matures, it becomes harder and harder until it reaches the hardness of the wood or tree trunk to which it is attached.
In which areas is the fungus with flammable properties found?
El horsehoof fungus is saprophytic, which means that it feeds on organic matter from trees that are dying and decomposing. It can be found in any tree, although it has a predilection for the rotting bark of birch and beech.
With this diet, the Fomesincentivius It can survive for many years, since it has a low requirement and it is enough for it to have minimal climatic conditions and to have food from decaying wood.
Temperate climates, abundant humidity and lots of wood. They are the only requirements for the horse's hoof to be developing and for us to be able to find it in the forests of Asia, Europe, parts of Africa and North America.
Be careful, we are saying that it feeds on dead trees, but they can also colonize trees that are still alive if you provide them with woody substrates.
The flammable properties of formes formentarius
This set has been used to make fires for many years and by different cultures that have discovered these flammable properties. Not only does it light quickly, but it is capable of maintaining the flame for long periods of time, making it excellent for heating the home in cold winters.
It burns slowly but intensely, which lengthens its durability. It is capable of starting to burn simply with a spark.
It has been known since ancient times and has allowed the survival of civilizations that have found in it a useful and efficient source of heat.
What other uses does this mushroom have?
But the flammable character is not the only quality of the Platera mushroom. It has also been given other important uses, for example, in traditional medicine where they knew its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to making fires and healing wounds in medicine, the formes formentarius is used to make footwear. How is this possible? It is precisely due to its hardening quality, which makes it a resistant material that provides the necessary hardness and resistance for a shoe.
Currently, the fungus continues to attract the attention of the scientific community that studies its qualities and its possible applications in areas as diverse and relevant as:
- Biotechnology, to manufacture medicines and even biofuels.
- In caring for the environment, because it allows the creation of natural biofuels, generating heat and making fire, in addition to helping to decompose organic matter.
Perhaps this fungus with a curious but unpleasant appearance, which can provoke rejection due to its bad smell and detestable taste, has it in its power to contribute to taking care of the ecosystem. And we can make use of it to continue technologically advanced, without our progress implying contaminating our environment.
Other fungi similar to formes formentarius
It must be noted that the formes formentarius It has a resemblance to another mushroom with similar characteristics such as Phellinus igniarius. Or even with Ganoderma applanatum. However, the last one does not have that appearance of Horse helmet typical of the formes formentarius. While the Phellinus is darker and has a different structure that can be seen once it is looked at under a microscope.
Another curious fact is that the famous ice man Otzi, the mummy discovered in 1991 in the Ötztal Alps and which was dated to be more than 5300 years old, carried remains of this fungus formes formentarius with flammable properties. It is a sign that they knew its properties well.