Content
Pecica vesiculosa (Peziza vesiculosa) is a member of the Pezizaceae family, the genus Peziza (Pecitsa). The mushroom is very unusual in appearance, thanks to which it got its name.
What does bubble gum look like?
The pecidae is a medium-sized fungus, reaching 2 to 10 cm in diameter. The young specimen looks like a bubble, but has a hole in the upper part. As it grows, the fruiting body opens up, acquiring a cupped shape. The old mushroom has jagged ripped edges. There is a false stem, inconspicuous, small in size.
The outer side is sticky, waxy to the touch, pale ocher. Inside it is darker, in the center of adult specimens one can observe the presence of peculiar formations in the form of bubbles.
The flesh is brownish in color, firm, relatively thick for its size. The structure is waxy. With high humidity, the pulp is translucent. The smell is absent, as is the taste.
The spore powder is white; the spores themselves under the microscope have an elliptical shape with a smooth surface.
Where and how it grows
Pecidae are common. It grows everywhere throughout Europe, as well as in North America. In Russia, it can be found in all regions with a temperate climate.
Prefers soils rich in nutrients, can be found on rotten deciduous wood, litter, sawdust and in places where organic fertilizers (manure) accumulate. It grows in various forests, forest plantations and beyond.
Fruiting is long, the period is from late May to October. Fruiting bodies are located in groups, often large.
Is the mushroom edible or not
The bladder petsica has no nutritional value due to its lack of taste. But the mushroom still belongs to a number of conditionally edible.
Doubles and their differences
Bubble petsitsa can only be confused with similar species, namely:
- brown petsica - is conditionally edible, has a smaller size and smoother edges without breaks, the color is much darker;
- petsica changeable - refers to inedible species, practically does not differ externally, but upon careful examination on the outside, you can notice the presence of small hairs.
Conclusion
Bladder pizza is a conditionally edible mushroom, but due to its thin and tasteless pulp, it does not represent culinary value. But it is worth noting that the mushroom itself is widely used in Chinese medicine, as an assistant for strengthening immunity, as well as in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors.
