Content
Melanoleuca striped is a member of the Ryadovkovy family. Grows in small groups and singly everywhere on all continents. Found in scientific reference books as Melanoleuca grammopodia.
What do striped melanoleucs look like?
This species is characterized by the classic structure of the fruiting body, therefore it has a pronounced cap and leg.
The diameter of the upper part in adult specimens reaches 15 cm. Initially, the cap is convex, but as it grows, it flattens and becomes slightly concave. A tubercle appears in the center over time. The edge of the cap is curved, not wrapped. The surface is dry and matt even at high humidity. The shade of the upper part can be gray-white, ocher or light hazel, depending on the place of growth. Overripe specimens lose their color saturation and become faded.
The pulp of the fruiting body initially has a white-gray color, and later becomes brown. Upon contact with air, its shade does not change. The consistency is elastic regardless of the age of the mushroom.
The flesh of striped melanoleuca has an inexpressive mealy smell and a sweetish taste.
In this species, the hymenophore is lamellar. Its color is initially gray-white and turns brown when the spores mature. The plates are often sinuous, and in some cases they can be serrated and grow to the pedicle.
The lower part is cylindrical, slightly thickened at the base. Its length reaches 10 cm, and its width varies within 1.5-2 cm. Longitudinal dark brown fibers can be seen on the surface, due to which the pulp is characterized by increased rigidity. The blanket is missing. Spore powder is white or light cream. In melanoleuca, striped-leg spores are thin-walled, 6.5-8.5 × 5-6 microns in size. Their shape is ovoid, on the surface there are large, medium and small warts.
Where do striped melanoleucs grow?
This species can be found anywhere in the world. Melanoleuca striatus prefers to grow in deciduous forests and mixed plantings, sometimes it can be found in conifers. Grows mainly in small groups, sometimes singly.
Striped melanoleucus can also be found:
- in gardens;
- in the glades;
- in the park area;
- in illuminated grassy areas.
Is it possible to eat striped melanoleuks
This species is classified as edible. In terms of taste, it belongs to the fourth class. Only the cap can be eaten, since due to the fibrous consistency, the leg is characterized by increased rigidity.
False doubles
Outwardly, striped melanoleuca is similar to other species. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the main differences between twins in order to avoid mistakes.
May mushroom. Edible member of the Lyophyllaceae family. The cap is hemispherical or cushion-shaped with respect to the correct shape. The diameter of the upper part reaches 4-10 cm. The leg is thick and short. Its length is 4-7 cm, and its width is about 3 cm. The color of the surface is creamy, and closer to the center of the cap it is yellowish.The pulp is white, firm. Grows in groups. The official name is Calocybe gambosa. It can be confused with striped melanoleuka only at the initial stage of growth. The fruiting period begins in May-June.
With a lot of crowding, the cap of the May mushroom is deformed
Melanoleuca is straight-footed. This species is considered edible, belongs to the family Ryadovkovye. This twin is a close relative of striped melanoleuca. The color of the fruiting body is cream, only towards the center of the cap the shade is darker. The diameter of the upper part is 6-10 cm, the height of the leg is 8-12 cm. The official name is Melanoleuca strictipes.
Melanoleuca straight-footed grows mainly in pastures, meadows, in gardens
Collection rules
In warm weather in spring, striped melanoleucus can be found in April, but the massive fruiting period begins in May. There were also recorded cases of collection of single specimens in spruce forests in July-August.
When collecting, you must use a sharp knife, cutting off the mushroom at the base. This will prevent damage to the integrity of the mycelium.
Use
Striped melanoleuca can be eaten safely, even fresh. During processing, the mealy smell of the pulp disappears.
Also, striped melanoleuca can be combined with other mushrooms to prepare various dishes.
Conclusion
The striped melanoleuca is a worthy representative of its family. When cooked correctly, it can compete with other common varieties. In addition, its fruiting falls in the spring, which is also an advantage, since the assortment of mushrooms during this period is not so diverse. But experts recommend using purely caps of young specimens for food, since they have a pleasant taste.
