Mahi Kandage Journal Entry; Blackfoot Polypore on Mont-Royal

On 7 October 2021, I located a Blackfoot Polypore, known scientifically as Polyporus leptocephalus, on the slopes of Mont Royal in Montreal, QC, Canada. I spotted it growing by the base of a large tree in the autumn, the season in which it is commonly found, along with late spring and summer. The fungus is classified as parasitic. It lives upon or near trees and can spread, causing a white rot on the tree. However, the tree can survive such a fungus, and so Polyporus leptocephalus can be seen as a seasonally recurring fungus. Though Polyporus leptocephalus is most common in Europe, it is also found throughout North America, including Canada, and more specifically, Quebec. Many fungi are used in the culinary arts and consumed; however, Polyporus leptocephalus has a slightly bitter taste and it is too tough to be used in the culinary setting. Physically, Polyporus leptocephalus can vary among forms but exhibits caps that are about 2-6 cm in diameter. Under its cuticle, the mushrooms are typically white, connected to a relatively thin stem.

Posted on October 13, 2021 04:05 AM by mahikandage