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Photo By Amanda Schabdach

Berkeley's polypore

Bondarzewia berkeleyi

A species of Bondarzewia

Berkeley's polypore (Bondarzewia berkeleyi) has beautiful, creamy off-white color caps that fan out 8 cm to 30 cm from a central stem. This stem is typically connected to a decaying tree or log. The odor is slightly earthy and bitter.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 30 cm

Odor:

Mild, indistinct mushroom-like smell.

General Info About Berkeley's polypore

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Attributes of Berkeley's polypore

Cap Diameter

5 - 30 cm

Height

10 - 30 cm

Cap

Cap 6 - 25 cm across; kidney-shaped, irregular, flat; whitish to pale tan

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Velvety

Stem

Stem 4 - 10 cm long, 3 - 5 cm thick; yellowish to pale brownish

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Thick; white; not discoloring or bruising

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mild, indistinct mushroom-like smell.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

White

Cream

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Dead Woods, Wood of Living Trees

You can find Berkeley's polypore by these plants:

Oaks, Populus, Elms, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Berkeley's polypore

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Cap

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Habitat of Berkeley's polypore

The berkeley's polypore is a woodland mushroom that shows favor to hardwood tree species, particularly maple and oak. The mushroom fruits on living or decaying wood, on roots or at the base of a trunk, and on decaying logs and stumps.

Hunting Values of Berkeley's polypore

Only edible when young, and might have a bitter taste.

Uses of Berkeley's polypore

Berkeley's polypore is an edible mushroom, though with certain precautions. Its practical uses include culinary applications, but it may require specific preparation methods to ensure safety. The popularity and collection value of berkeley's polypore are influenced by these necessary precautions. It is not a commonly sought-after species due to the potential risks involved if not properly handled or cooked. Consumers should be well-informed about these risks before consumption to avoid any adverse effects.

Scientific Classification of Berkeley's polypore

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Bondarzewiaceae

Genus

Bondarzewia

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Tips for Finding Berkeley's polypore

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When is the Best Time to Find Berkeley's polypore

Search for berkeley's polypore from late summer to early autumn, post rainfall. These mushrooms thrive when daytime temperatures are mild, around 60°F (15°C) to 70°F (21°C), and the soil has been moistened by recent rains.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Berkeley's polypore

Prefers the damp, organic debris-rich soil found near hardwoods.

What are Some Tips for Finding Berkeley's polypore

Inspect the base areas of hardwood trees, particularly oaks, for the presence of berkeley's polypore.
Look for berkeley's polypore where the accumulation of organic material is evident.
Search in areas where trees may have fallen or decayed, as berkeley's polypore can be found on deadwood.
Check for large, conspicuous fruiting bodies that may indicate berkeley's polypore's presence.

How to Clean and Preserve Berkeley's polypore

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How to Clean Berkeley's polypore

To clean berkeley's polypore, brush off any debris gently. If necessary, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface. Avoid soaking as it can change the texture.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Berkeley's polypore

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, maintains texture after thawing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Berkeley's polypore

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity