Gloeophyllum sepiarium - Глеофиллум заборный - Rusty Gilled Polypore

Gloeophyllum sepiarium - Глеофиллум заборный - Rusty Gilled Polypore - Rostblättriger Zaunblättling 11/9/08—10/4/25

Gloeophyllum sepiarium, commonly known as the Rusty Gilled Polypore or the Rostblättriger Zaunblättling, is a wood-decay fungus belonging to the family Gloeophyllaceae. This mushroom is characterized by its shelf-like, elongated fruiting bodies, which are typically 3-12 cm wide, 2-6 cm deep, and up to 2 cm thick. The upper surface of the fruiting body is covered in a reddish-brown to dark brown crust with fine radial wrinkles, while the margin is often paler and slightly wavy. The underside of the fruiting body features gills that are rusty brown in color, running down the length of the cap. These gills are irregularly spaced and forked, giving the mushroom its common name. The flesh of the Rusty Gilled Polypore is thin, leathery, and fibrous, with a light brown color and a slightly sweet smell. Gloeophyllum sepiarium is a saprobic fungus, meaning it feeds on dead organic matter. It primarily colonizes coniferous wood, such as pine and spruce, causing a brown rot. The fruiting bodies of G. sepiarium can be found year-round, with a peak in late summer to autumn. This species has a wide distribution and is commonly found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, North America, and Asia. The spores of Gloeophyllum sepiarium are cylindrical to allantoid (sausage-shaped), measuring 6-9 x 2.5-3.5 micrometers. Gloeophyllum sepiarium is inedible due to its tough and leathery texture. This fungus plays an essential ecological role in breaking down deadwood in forest ecosystems. Gloeophyllum sepiarium is related to other species within the Gloeophyllum genus, such as Gloeophyllum abietinum and Gloeophyllum trabeum, which also cause brown rot on coniferous wood. The Rusty Gilled Polypore is known for its ability to produce extracellular enzymes that can break down lignocellulose, a major component of plant cell walls.