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The white-beaked scaly has the Latin name Hemistropharia albocrenulata. Its name was often changed, since they could not accurately determine the taxonomic affiliation. Therefore, it acquired many designations:
- Agaricus albocrenulatus;
- Pholiota fusca;
- Hebeloma albocrenulatum;
- Pholiota albocrenulata;
- Hypodendrum albocrenulatum;
- Stropharia albocrenulata;
- Hemipholiota albocrenulata;
- Hemipholiota albocrenulata.
This species is one of 20 in the genus Hemistropharia. It is similar to the foliot family. The presence of scales on the body of fungi, growth on trees are common features of these taxa. Representatives of Hemistropharia differ at the cellular level in the absence of cystids and in the color of basidiospores (darker). The mushroom was discovered in 1873 by the American mycologist Charles Horton Peck.
What does white-crested scaly look like?
It owes its name to its appearance. The body of the fungus is completely covered with white scales. These growths disappear over time.
The odor of White-bellied Scale is muffled, sour, reminiscent of a radish with mushroom notes. The pulp is yellowish, fibrous, firm. It gets dark closer to the base. The spores are brown, ellipsoidal (size 10-16x5.5-7.5 microns).
Young lamellae are grayish yellow. They are convex (as if flowing down). With age, the plates acquire a gray or gray-brown color with a purple tint. The ribs become sharp, angular, more pronounced.
Description of the hat
The diameter of the cap of the White-bellied Scale is from 4 to 10 cm. It is diverse in shape. It can be domed, hemispherical, or plano-convex. A tubercle at the top is characteristic. The color ranges from brown to light mustard. The surface is covered with triangular scales.
At the edge is a torn veil bent inward. After rain or high humidity, the mushroom cap becomes shiny, covered with a thick layer of mucus.
Leg description
Height up to 10 cm. Light shade due to the abundance of scales. The color of the leg between them is darker. It expands slightly towards the base. Has a noticeable annular zone (very fibrous). Above it, the surface acquires a grooved texture. Over time, a cavity forms inside.
Is the mushroom edible or not
White-bellied scales are not poisonous, but they are not edible either. It has a strong, bitter, astringent taste.
Where and how it grows
This fungus is a phytosaprophage, that is, it feeds on the decomposition of other organisms. Grows on dead trees.
White-crested scaly can be found:
- in deciduous, mixed forests;
- in parks;
- near ponds;
- on stumps, roots;
- on dead wood.
This mushroom prefers:
- poplars (mostly);
- aspen;
- beeches;
- ate;
- Oak trees.
White-bellied scaly grows in Lower Bavaria, Czech Republic, Poland. It is widespread in Russia. Far East, European part, Eastern Siberia - Hemistropharia albocrenulata can be found everywhere. Appears in mid-spring.
Doubles and their differences
Often mushrooms of different species and genera are outwardly similar to each other. Therefore, it is easy to confuse them. White-crested scaly is no exception. It is worth remembering the edible and poisonous counterparts of Stropharia whitewashed.
Stropharia rugosoannulata
It also grows on organic waste.It is edible. But some complain of malaise and stomach pains when using it. So it is worth being careful when trying Stropharia rugose-annular. It differs from Scale by noticeable remnants of velum, the absence of scales.
Stropharia hornemannii
Differs in pallor. There are no outgrowths and a mesh veil on the cap. It grows by the end of summer. Hornemann's stropharia is toxic.
Pholiota adiposa
Thick scales are colored with yellow tones. Her scales are rusty. The smell is woody. Not edible because it is bitter.
Conclusion
White-crested scaly is considered a rare fungus. It is under the protection of many countries. Included in the register of protected and endangered species in Poland. It also has a special status in the Russian Federation. For example, it is in the red book of the Novgorod region with the mark “vulnerable”.
Therefore, treat Scalychatka white-bellied with care if you find it in the forest.
