Content
Ophioglossous cordyceps is an inedible representative of the Ophiocordyceps family. The species is rare, grows from August to October in mixed forests. Since this instance is not eaten, it is necessary to know the external description, view photos and videos.
What do the ophioglossic cordyceps look like?
Cordyceps ophioglossous has an unusual, bizarre appearance, thanks to which it is difficult to confuse it with other representatives of the mushroom kingdom. The fruit body is elongated, up to 10 cm long. This specimen is a parasite, grows on earthen mushrooms singly or in small families.
The fruiting body is a stroma, has a clavate-elongated shape with a pronounced expansion at the base. The spore layer is lemon-colored at a young age; as it grows, the color changes to dark olive or black. The underground part of the fungus has a light yellow tone, the aboveground part is reddish or dark brown. The color depends on the place of growth.
Where do ophioglossic cordyceps grow
The parasitic species can be found in coniferous and deciduous forests from July to October. Cordyceps ophioglossous prefer moist places, therefore it grows in moss, next to a swamp, along the banks of water bodies.
Is it possible to eat ophioglossic cordyceps
In Russia, Cordyceps ophioglossous is considered inedible and hallucinogenic. The pulp is tough, tasteless and odorless, contains ergotamine, which causes an ergotism-like psychotropic reaction.
Cordyceps ophioglossous during the breeding season releases ergotamine. When eaten, this substance causes severe poisoning. First signs:
- smooth muscle spasm;
- severe pain in the epigastric region;
- mental disorder;
- hallucinations appear;
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- weakness in the legs;
- blood pressure rises;
- cold, clammy sweat;
- tachycardia;
- the person becomes aggressive;
- a cataract develops.
When the first signs appear. It is necessary to provide first aid:
- calling a medical team;
- lay the victim, put heat on the stomach and limbs;
- give activated charcoal and plenty of warm water;
- induce vomiting;
- free from tight clothing.
There are two forms of ergotism:
- Convulsive - pain, convulsions, convulsions, dizziness, stupor, agony.
- Gangrenous - the functional work of tissues is disrupted, due to a sharp narrowing of the capillaries.
Experienced mushroom pickers recommend passing by unknown specimens, since many mushrooms can cause irreparable harm to the body.
How to distinguish ophioglossic cordyceps
To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to know the external characteristics of the ophioglossoid cordyceps and its counterparts:
- Armed cordyceps - an inedible, but medicinal representative of the mushroom kingdom, which helps to cope with many diseases. The species can be recognized by the elongated, club-shaped, orange-colored fruit body. Whitish fibrous pulp, without taste and aroma, has medicinal properties. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, it also helps with gastrointestinal diseases, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis. Thanks to this type, blood vessels are strengthened, the body gets rid of bad cholesterol and toxins.
- Cordyceps capitate - a hallucinogenic representative, similar in appearance to a match. It parasitizes underground fungi in mixed forests. Begins fruiting from June, it lasts until the first frost.
Conclusion
Cordyceps ophioglossous is a hallucinogenic representative of the mushroom kingdom. Causes severe poisoning when eaten, which can be fatal. Therefore, in order not to harm your body, before a quiet hunt, you need to familiarize yourself with external data and be extremely careful during collection.
