Pholiota alnicola - Чешуйчатка ольховая - Alder Pholiota

Pholiota alnicola - Чешуйчатка ольховая - Alder Pholiota - Erlen-Schuppiger Schichtpilz 9/2/20—9/24/22

Pholiota alnicola, commonly known as the Alder Pholiota or Erlen-Schuppiger Schichtpilz in German, is a medium-sized mushroom species belonging to the Strophariaceae family. The cap of this fungus measures 3 to 8 cm in diameter, with a convex to flat shape and a surface covered in yellowish-brown to ochre-brown scales. The gills of Pholiota alnicola are adnate to slightly sinuate (notched) and yellowish to brownish in color. The stem is 4-10 cm tall and 0.5-1 cm thick, with a yellowish to brownish color and a ring-like annulus. Pholiota alnicola can be found in temperate forests across Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in clusters on the bases of living or dead alder trees, particularly on Alnus glutinosa and Alnus incana, from late summer to late autumn. The chemistry of Pholiota alnicola is not well studied, but it is considered inedible due to its unpleasant taste and possible mild toxicity. The spores of Pholiota alnicola are brown, elliptical, and measure 6-9 x 4-6 micrometers. They are produced in basidia and are released into the environment for reproduction and dispersal. Pholiota alnicola is known for its ecological role as a wood decomposer, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients within forest ecosystems. This process contributes to the cycling of nutrients and overall forest health. The fungus is also known as a weak pathogen, causing white rot in some tree species, leading to decay and possible tree death. Pholiota alnicola has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, with research suggesting that it may contain compounds with antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects.