Content
Boletus or blunt-spore boletus belongs to the Boletovye family and is considered a close relative of the boletus. Its characteristic difference is that it has spores with a blunt end, but this can only be detected with a microscope. In some sources, this species can be found as a pink-footed flywheel due to the peculiarities of the color of the lower part. The official name of the species is Xerocomellus truncatus.
What the blunt-spore flyworms look like
This mushroom is characterized by the classic shape of the fruiting body, so its upper and lower parts are clearly expressed. At the initial stage of growth, the cap has a convex shape, and as the flyworm grows older, it becomes cushion-shaped. Its diameter does not exceed 15 cm, and its color varies from grayish brown to chestnut. The surface is dry felt to the touch and remains so even at high humidity. In overripe specimens, the cap may crack, forming a mesh pattern and exposing the flesh, which oxidizes and turns pink. The structure of the upper part is soft and loose, while in adult mushrooms it is cotton-like.
The hymenophore of the blunt-spore flyworm is tubular. Initially, it is light in color, but as it matures, it acquires a greenish color. The inner tubes can descend or grow to the stem. The spores are spindle-shaped with a trimmed edge on one side. When ripe, they turn olive brown. Their size is 12-15 x 4.5-6 microns.
The leg grows up to 10 cm in length, in section its diameter is 2.5 cm. The shape is regular, cylindrical, slightly narrowed at the base. The surface of the lower part is smooth, the pulp is solid fibrous. Its main color is yellow, but a pink tint is allowed.
Chaotically scattered red spots may appear in the upper part of the leg of the blunt flyworm.
Where do blunt-spore mushrooms grow
This type is not widespread. It can be found in Europe and southern North America. In Russia, it is found in the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, and also single finds have been recorded in Western Siberia.
The fungus prefers mixed and deciduous plantings. Grows singly and in small groups of 2-4 pieces.
Is it possible to eat blunt flyworms
This species is considered conditionally edible, therefore, it cannot be consumed fresh. The pulp has a sour taste without the characteristic mushroom smell. As they grow older, the leg acquires a hard consistency, so only hats are suitable for food. Young specimens can be used entirely.
False doubles
The moss is blunt-spore in the structure of the fruiting body and outwardly similar to some mushrooms. Therefore, in order to avoid a mistake during the collection, it is necessary to study the characteristic differences of the twins.
Similar species:
- Mochwick variegated or fissured... Edible mushroom of the fourth category. The cap is convex, fleshy; its diameter does not exceed 10 cm even in mature specimens.There is a network of cracks on the surface of the upper part. The color of the cap ranges from cherry to brownish gray. The leg is shaped like a club. The pulp is light yellow in color; upon contact with air, it initially turns blue, and then turns red. The official name is Xerocomellus chrysenteron.
The leg of this species is reddish with barely noticeable gray longitudinal stains.
- Gall mushroom... This species can only be confused with young flyworms. It belongs to the category of inedible because of its strong bitterness, which only intensifies during heat treatment, as well as poisonous mushrooms. The hat is initially convex and then flattened. Its surface is always dry, the color is light brown. The stem is cylindrical, 10 cm long. The lower part has a creamy ocher shade with a mesh pattern. The official name is Tylopilus felleu.
The gall mushroom is never wormy
Collection rules
The fruiting period of the blunt-spore flyworm begins in the second half of July and lasts until the end of September. When picking, preference should be given to young fruits, since their flesh is denser, and the taste is better.
You need to cut the flywheel with a sharp knife, without damaging the mycelium. This will allow the collection to be carried out annually at the same location.
Use
Blunt flywheel is not very popular with mushroom pickers, since its taste is considered mediocre, and the pulp becomes slimy during heat treatment and loses its shape.
Before preparing this type, it is recommended to first boil it in salted water for 15-20 minutes, then drain the liquid. Blunt flywheel can be pickled, and it is also recommended to cook mushroom caviar on its basis.
Conclusion
The blunt-spore moss does not receive much attention from mushroom pickers, since its taste leaves much to be desired. This is also due to the fact that the fruiting period coincides with other more valuable species, so many lovers of quiet hunting prefer them.
