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Allotropa
Virgata
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Allotropa, candy
cane, is a parasite which indicates Matsutake mycelia. It
feeds on the mycelia, taking the nutrients it needs. The
mycelia must be present if the "plant" is.
Allotropa has been noted with all host trees wherever
Matsutake grows in the Pacific Northwest.
It is rare to find mushrooms among allotropa. Fruiting
area associated is within 5 to 15 Ft.
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Allotropa growth begins in early spring as temperatures
warm. Young Allotropa resembles asparagus with no color,
or a pink tint.
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The maturing plant is red and white striped. This stage is reached
in mid June to early September. A mature plant has
tiny white flowers with a red center. Height is 3 inches
to 3 feet. |
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Dead allotrope is dark brown. It may stand in place for up to 3 years. Winter rains beat them down making them difficult to see at times.
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Dead or alive
they indicate Matsutake. |
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Enlarge Extreme Close-up
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Allotropa can
also introduce new harvesters to the smell of Matsutake. Directly under allotropa is
Matsutake mycelia. It will be white or have a bluish
tint. (Tint due to active mycelia breaking down soils
into available nutrients.) Remove a small portion
and smell. The smell may vary slightly depending on
moisture and time of year. The mushroom body is composed
of the same material as the mycelia. Thus the same smell.
Gills are the only specialized portion.
Allotropa is
not an indicator of fall fruiting |
Thanks
to commercial harvester John Getz. First generally known
to associate Allotropa with Matsutake.
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