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The representative of the Gigroforovye family - oak hygrocybe - is a bright Basidiomycete that grows everywhere in mixed forests. It differs from other brethren by a pronounced oily odor. In the scientific literature, you can find the Latin name of the species - Hygrocybe quieta.
This is a noticeable, orange mushroom, shaped like small umbrellas
What does an oak hygrocybe look like?
In young specimens, the cap is conical, becoming open over time. Its diameter does not exceed 5 cm. At high humidity, the surface becomes oily, sticky, in sunny weather - smooth and dry. The color of the fruit body is hot yellow, with an orange tint.
The hymenophore (the back of the cap) consists of rare yellow-orange plates that branch out at the edges
The pulp is whitish with a yellowish tinge, fleshy, the taste is not pronounced, the aroma is oily.
The stem is cylindrical, thin, brittle and brittle, the surface is smooth. In young specimens, it is even, in old ones, it becomes curved or twisted. Inside it is hollow, the diameter does not exceed 1 cm, and the length is 6 cm. The color corresponds to the hat: bright yellow or orange. Whitish spots may appear on the surface. Rings and films are missing.
Spores are ellipsoidal, oblong, smooth. Spore white powder.
Where does oak hygrocybe grow
Basidiomycete of the Gigroforovaceae family reproduces in deciduous or mixed forests. It prefers to grow under the shade of an oak tree. Because of what it got its self-explanatory name. It is distributed throughout Europe and Russia. Fruiting mainly in autumn.
Is it possible to eat an oak hygrocybe
The described mushroom is not poisonous, it does not pose a danger to the human body. But it has a mediocre taste, which is why it did not become a favorite of mushroom pickers. When broken, the cap gives off a strong oily aroma. Scientists attribute oak hygrocybe to conditionally edible species.
False doubles
Many members of the Gigroforov family are similar to each other. The described basidiomycete also has a brother similar to it - an intermediate hygrocybe, the Latin name is Hygrocybe intermedia.
The twin has a dark orange color, its cap is larger in diameter, umbrella-shaped, with a noticeable tubercle or fossa in the center
The skin is dry and smooth, loose, covered with small scales, it looks like wax. The edges of the cap are brittle, often cracking. The hymenophore is white, with a yellowish tinge.
The leg is long and thin, yellow in color, with red veins, near the cap they are lighter.
Basidiomycete lives in mixed forests, in clearings with tall grass and fertile soil. The fruiting period is autumn.
The taste and aroma of the double is not expressed. It is classified as a conditionally edible species.
Another double is a beautiful hygrocybe. The shape of the fruit body and the size of the twin are absolutely identical to the oak hygrocybe. The color of a similar species is gray, olive or light lilac.
As they mature, twins from the Gigroforovye family acquire a fiery red color and become completely similar to an oak hygrocybe
The plates are even, frequent, light yellow, grow to the stem and, as it were, descend onto it.The edges of the cap are even, do not crack.
This is a rare mushroom that is practically not found in the forests of Russia. It is classified as an edible species. Some mushroom pickers are distinguished by its good taste and bright aroma.
Conclusion
Oak hygrocybe is a catchy, beautiful mushroom with a specific smell. It is rarely found in the forests of Russia. The fruit body is small, so it is quite problematic to collect a basket of such mushrooms. They grow not only in forests and oak groves, but also in meadows, pastures, well-lit glades with high humidity. This basidiomycete is not whimsical to the composition of the soil.
