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Scaly lentinus

Neolentinus lepideus

A species of Neolentinus, Also known as Train wrecker

Scaly lentinus(Neolentinus lepideus) may be found alone or in groups along dead or decaying pieces of timber. Due to its ability to colonize even chemically treated wood, including railroad tracks, it has been given the nickname "train wrecker." Due to inconsistent reports of safety, consumption is discouraged.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 15 cm

Odor:

Faintly fragrant, often suggestive of anise.

General Info About Scaly lentinus

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Attributes of Scaly lentinus

Cap Diameter

3 - 15 cm

Height

3 - 16 cm

Cap

Cap 2 - 15 cm across; convex to flat, weakly funnel-shaped; whitish, brown; surface smooth, with scales

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Broadly attached, decurrent; close; whitish

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 2 - 10 cm long, 2 - 4 cm thick; equal; whitish, blackish brown; very tough

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

Very tough; white; unchanging when sliced, or turns yellow

Ring

On the stem; whitish

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Faintly fragrant, often suggestive of anise.

Body Color

Brown

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find Scaly lentinus by these plants:

Pines, Spruces, Scots pine

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Scaly lentinus

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Scaly lentinus

The scaly lentinus appears in areas populated by conifers, particularly pine and larches. It grows on well-decayed deadwood such as stumps, logs, and branches, but it also appears on treated lumber, fence posts, utility poles, railroad ties, and other wooden structures.

Distribution Area of Scaly lentinus

Northern America,Europe,North Africa,Central America,northern Asia,Australia,New Zealand

Uses of Scaly lentinus

Scaly lentinus is an edible mushroom appreciated for its culinary versatility. It's often used in dishes for its meaty texture and flavor, especially during its peak seasons. While scaly lentinus is not among the most popular edible mushrooms, it holds value for mushroom foragers. Care should be taken to properly identify scaly lentinus, as misidentification can lead to health risks. Cooking scaly lentinus thoroughly is recommended to ensure safety.

Scientific Classification of Scaly lentinus

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Shelf fungi

Family

Polyporaceae

Genus

Neolentinus

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Tips for Finding Scaly lentinus

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When is the Best Time to Find Scaly lentinus

Search for scaly lentinus in late summer to early fall, after periods of rain when the weather starts to cool. Their growth peaks when daytime temperatures are between 60-75°F (15-24°C), with high humidity.

What are Some Tips for Finding Scaly lentinus

Search around areas with high concentrations of conifer trees, particularly where stumps and logs are present.
Inspect well-rotted wood, especially where you observe remnant pieces of conifer trees.
Check in and around older lumber that has been exposed to the elements, including railroad ties and utility poles.
Look for scaly lentinus forming clusters or growing solitary on the substrate they decompose.

How to Clean and Preserve Scaly lentinus

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How to Clean Scaly lentinus

To clean scaly lentinus, gently brush off any debris from the scaly cap and stem, using a soft brush or damp cloth. Check under the cap for residue and carefully wipe away. Avoid soaking as it may damage the gills and the physical integrity of the mushroom.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Scaly lentinus

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers, cool, dark place, with low humidity and stable temperature.

Dehydrator drying: Achieves low moisture content quickly, preserving the mushrooms more effectively.

Oven drying: Consistent low heat promotes efficient water removal without cooking.

Air drying: Circulating air naturally dries mushrooms, suitable in low-humidity environments.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Scaly lentinus

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch to inactivate enzymes before freezing for texture preservation.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Scaly lentinus

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow breathing, absorb excess moisture, and prevent sliminess.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated bags to maintain humidity while allowing some air circulation.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap in a damp cloth to maintain humidity without direct wetness, preventing drying out and spoilage.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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