Il fungo dai mille cappelli: Polyporus umbellatus, una meraviglia del bosco

We call it the mushroom of a thousand caps because, when it appears in the forest, it appears to be composed of a multitude of small umbrellas gathered into a single, incredible living structure. Its name is Polyporus umbellatus, also known as Dendropolyporus umbellatus. It is one of the most spectacular and rare mushrooms found in mature broadleaf forests, where it can grow near roots, stumps, or buried wood, especially in environments associated with beech and oak trees; often during warm periods at the beginning of summer. From a branched base, dozens, sometimes hundreds, of small, hazelnut-gray caps rise, supported by pale stems that unite into a common structure. From a distance, it may appear to be a compact mass; up close, however, it reveals a surprising architecture, made up of minute, repetitive, fragile, and perfect shapes. It is an excellent edible mushroom when young and in good condition, but its rarity invites observation and respect above all. Meeting him is one of those experiences that reminds us how much the Mushroom Kingdom can still amaze, even those who think they know the forest well.