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The Kele Lobster is a rare type of mushroom. In Latin it is called Helvella queletii, the synonymous name is Helvella Kele. Belongs to the Lopastnik family, the Helwell family. Named after Lucien Kele (1832 - 1899). He is a French scientist who founded the mycological community in France. It was he who discovered this type of mushroom.
What Kele Helwells look like
Young mushrooms have cup-shaped caps flattened on the sides. Their edges are slightly curved inward. Mature lobules become saucer-shaped, with smooth and solid or serrated edges.
The skin on the upper surface is colored in pale grayish-brown, brownish, yellow-gray shades. When dry, the cap becomes light gray, a whitish or gray granular bloom appears on it, which is a bundle of short hairs. The inner surface is smooth, darker, can be from gray-brown to almost black.
The leg is slender, even, not hollow, grows 6-10 cm in length. Some sources provide information that its thickness can reach 4 cm, but more often it is thinner, about 1-2 cm. Its shape is cylindrical or clavate, and may slightly expand towards the base.
The leg is ribbed. The number of ribs is from 4 to 10, the direction is longitudinal. They do not break off at the transition of the cap to the leg. Its color is light, whitish, in the lower part it is darker, in the upper tone it is reddish, grayish, brownish, often coinciding with the color of the outer part of the cap.
The flesh of the mushroom is light in color, brittle and very thin. Emits an unpleasant odor. Does not represent taste value.
Helvella Kele belongs to the category of marsupial mushrooms. Propagated by spores located in the fruiting body, in the "bag". They are smooth, elliptical, with one oil droplet in the center.
Where Kele's Lobules Grow
Helwella is found in forests of different types: deciduous, coniferous, mixed. She prefers well-lit areas. Grows on soil, less often on rotten wood or dead wood, usually singly, or in few groups.
The species is distributed on several continents. Mushrooms can be found throughout Eurasia and North America. In some countries: the Czech Republic, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark - Helvella Kele is listed in the Red Book. It is not guarded on the territory of Russia. Its distribution area is extensive. The species is found in many regions of the country, especially often in the Leningrad, Moscow, Belgorod, Lipetsk regions, in Udmurtia and in the Stavropol region.
Helvella Kele appears early. The ripening period begins in May. Fruiting lasts until July inclusive, and in the northern regions it lasts until the end of summer.
Is it possible to eat Kele Helwells
There is no evidence in scientific sources that Helwell Kele can be eaten. The species is not even classified as conditionally edible, there is no description of its nutritional value and belonging to one or another flavoring category.
At the same time, information on the toxicity of mushrooms is also not provided. In Russia, there have been no cases of Helwell poisoning.However, the small size and unpleasant smell of the pulp make the lobe unsuitable for human consumption.
Conclusion
Helvella Kele are spring mushrooms that appear in forest areas as early as May. Sometimes the species grows in urban areas. But to find it, it will take a lot of effort - Kele's blade is not often found. Collecting it is pointless and even dangerous. In European countries, cases of blade poisoning have been recorded.
