Content
Gidnellum rusty or dark brown is a mushroom of the Banker family. The fruit body of this species has a specific structure, a bit like a concave thicket with a short stalk. Gidnellum rusty has a unique feature - it grows overgrown with obstacles.
What does gidnellum rusty look like?
The fruiting body of the fungus is arranged according to the classical scheme: it consists of a cap and a leg. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish the transition from one part to another, because due to the special structure of the hymenophore, the border of separation between them is practically not detected. In some specimens, on the contrary, the leg is well defined and has a relatively long length.
The diameter of the cap is from 5 to 10 cm, while in the youth of the fungus it is round or clavate. With age, a barely noticeable concavity appears on it, and old specimens outwardly resemble a bowl or funnel. The surface of the cap contains a large number of tubercles. However, it is velvety and has an almost uniform structure (except for a harder center).
Adult fruiting body of rust hydnellum
The color of the cap in youth is white, with age it changes to light brown. Sometimes red or purple drops of liquid appear on it, which, when dried, covers the hydnellum with rust stains of various shades of gray.
The pulp of the mushroom is actually two-layer. The outer fibrous casing hides a dense white fabric. In the center of the cap, the flesh is very hard, it has a leathery consistency. With the growth of the fruiting body, it envelops the various obstacles encountered in the form of branches, hemp and stones.
The inclusion of external objects in the structure of the mushroom during the growth of its cap
The leg has a length of about 2-5 cm. Outside, it is covered with a soft tissue with a brownish-brown tint. The structure of the outer layer of the leg is similar in consistency to the top layer of the cap and differs from it only in coloring.
The hymenophore of rust hydnellum has a prickly structure. It consists of many segments, several millimeters long, hanging from the underside of the cap. Their color in young mushrooms is white, in mature ones - dark brown or brown. Even with a light touch, the thorns break off. Spores are yellowish in color.
Where does hydnellum rust grow
It is found everywhere in the temperate climate and subtropics of the Northern Hemisphere. Hidnellum rust specimens can be found in northern Scotland and Scandinavia. To the east it spreads to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Vast habitats are found in Central Europe, Western Siberia and northern Africa.
Forms mycorrhiza with conifers. Loves mossy types of substrate, as well as highly acidic soils. They will willingly settle at the borders of various types of terrain: forest edges, meadows, along paths. It can often be seen next to a person's home.Fruiting occurs in mid-summer and lasts until October.
Is it possible to eat gidnellum rusty
According to the modern classification, this species is classified as inedible. At the same time, many researchers note a rather strong aroma of fruit bodies, similar to the smell of freshly ground flour.
Conclusion
Hydnellum rust is an inedible fungus of the Bunker family, widespread in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere. A feature of this species is the ability of its fruiting body to grow over obstacles with an increase in size. The mushroom has a thorn-shaped hymenophore, unusual for many representatives of the Kingdom.
