398 



MUSHROOMS, EDIBLE AND OTHERWISE 



Polyporus sulphur eus. I'r. 

 The Sulphur-colored Polyporus. Edible. 



Sulphureus, pertaining to sulphur, so called from the color of the tube- 

 bearing surface. In mature specimens the growth is horizontal, spreading fan- 

 like from the stem, undulating with radiating flutings. The upper surface is 

 salmon, orange, or orange-red; flesh cheesy, light-yellow, the edge being smooth 

 and unevenly thickened with nodule-like prominences. In young specimens the 

 ascending, under yellow surface outwardly exposed. 



The pore surface is a bright sulphur-yellow, which is more persistent than 

 the color of the cap ; pores very minute, short, often formed of inflexed masses. 



The stem is short, a mere close attachment for the spreading growth. The 

 taste is slightly acid and mucilaginous when raw. The spores are elliptical and 

 white, 7-8X4-5/X. 



It grows on decayed logs, on stumps, and 011 decayed places in living trees. 

 The mycelium of this species will frequently be found in the hearts of trees and 

 remain there for years before the tree is injured sufficiently for the mycelium to 

 come to the surface. It may take months, or a century, to accomplish this. 



When this plant is young and tender it is a prime favorite with all who know 

 it. It is found from August to November. Its favorite host is an oak stump 

 or log. 



Figure 327. Polyporus flavovirens. Two-thirds natural size. 



