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Dog mutinus (Mutinus caninus) is an unusual species belonging to the Veselkovye family. The unique appearance of these saprobiotic mushrooms unwittingly attracts attention. However, the strongest repulsive smell of carrion will force the mushroom picker to refrain from collecting.
What does a dog mutinus look like?
The canine mutinus was first found and described in 1849 by the British naturalist and mycologist William Hudson. Up to this point, it was classified as a species of the Ravenel mutin (Mutinus ravenelii).
The fungus is found in the literature under the following names:
- Phallus caninus;
- Cynophallus caninus;
- Ithyphallus inodorus.
At an early stage of development, the fruiting body of the canine mutin looks like a white, yellowish or pinkish ellipse 2-3 cm across. As it grows, the egg bursts into 2-3 parts, and a hollow cylindrical leg of a spongy structure and yellowish color begins to grow from the resulting crack. On average, it stretches by 15-18 cm, diameter - 1-1.5 cm. It is crowned with a pointed, thin, small-knobby tip, painted in brick-red colors.
When the canine mutinus matures, its tip becomes covered with olive-brown spore mucus (gleba), which exudes a pungent sickening odor. The stench of the canine mutin attracts insects, especially flies, which carry its colorless spore powder and promote reproduction.
Where and how it grows
Canine mutinus is a Red Book mushroom. On the territory of Russia, it can be found in the following areas:
- Murmansk;
- Leningradskaya;
- Stavropol region;
- Krasnodar region;
- Tomsk;
- Primorye.
Canine mutinus grows in Lithuania, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, as well as in North America. Damp coniferous forests are a favorite place of the fungus. He settles on rotten deadwood, stumps, rotting wood. Can develop on sawdust and mulch. Being a humus saprotroph, it prefers well-fertilized soils, sometimes found among bushes and in gardens.
Mutinus caninus grows in small groups, rarely singly. The fruiting period is July-September. After the insects eat the foul-smelling spore mucus, the fruiting body of the fungus dies within three days.
Doubles and their differences
The canine mutinus can be confused with its closest relative - the Ravenel mutinus or the smelly morel. The species is more compact in size, with a pinkish stalk and a smooth green-olive gleb. It is listed in the Red Book, little studied, and arouses interest more among mycologists than among mushroom pickers. Refers to inedible.
Canine mutinus is similar to Phallus impudicus. The swindler, as she is also called, has a bell-shaped hat.
In some cases, the canine mutinus in the egg stage can be confused with the deadly pale toadstool (Amanita phalloides). In a poisonous twin, even at an embryonic age, a hat can be distinguished.
Is the mushroom edible or not
There are no poisons in the chemical composition of canine mutin, no cases of poisoning were recorded. The mushroom is considered inedible, however, some argue that it can be eaten during the egg stage. Of course, it is better to refrain from such experiments with your own body, and in the absence of other mushrooms, buy the same mushrooms in the store.
Healing properties
This species has been considered a medicinal mushroom since ancient times. Unfortunately, many recipes have been lost, but it is known for certain that the mushroom is effective in treating gout. Its anti-cancer properties are also known.
Many members of the Veselkovye family, including the genus Mutinus, have a rejuvenating effect. Their juice is used in the preparation of face masks. Mutinus caninus is a natural antioxidant. It stimulates the immune system, improves performance.
Conclusion
Dog mutinus is a mushroom with an ambiguous appearance and a frightening smell. Having met in the forest, it is better to bypass it, remembering that the species is listed in the Red Book and is on the verge of extinction.
