Content
The differences between the satanic mushroom and the oak tree are quite obvious, but there are enough similarities between the two types of mushrooms. In order not to make a dangerous mistake, you need to carefully study the descriptions and photographs of both mushrooms, and also remember the differences.
Distinctive features of Dubovik
Dubovik is an edible representative of the gifts of the forest with good taste, which is not inferior in nutritional value to white. It grows mainly in mixed and deciduous forests near oaks, lindens and other trees, it is most abundant from August to October.
The mushroom is quite large in size - its cap can reach 20 cm in diameter, in young fruiting bodies it is convex and half spherical, in adults it straightens and takes on a pillow-like shape. The color of the cap is changeable, yellowish-brown, ocher or brown-gray, and the shades can change from one to another even in one fruiting body. The lower layer is tubular, the color of the tubules is light buffy at a young age and dirty olive in old fruit bodies.
The leg of the oak tree is dense, strong, up to 15 cm in height, reaches 3 cm in girth, and thickening is noticeable in its lower part. In color, the leg is yellowish closer to the cap and darker below, on its surface you can see a well-distinguishable dark mesh.
Distinctive features of the satanic mushroom
The inedible satanic mushroom usually grows in the same places as the edible oak tree. It can be found on calcareous soils in deciduous and mixed forests; it is often located next to oaks, lindens, beeches and other trees. The satanic mushroom bears fruit at the same time as the oak tree - the most active growth occurs at the end of August and September.
The satanic mushroom belongs to the category of large ones, its cap can reach 20-25 cm in diameter. In shape, it is cushion-shaped in adult mushrooms and convex in young fruiting bodies, and in color it is ocher-white, grayish, gray-olive, lead-gray or slightly pinkish. The surface of the cap is smooth, the underside is covered with tubules, at a young age they are yellow, but in old fruiting bodies they turn red.
The stem of the satanic mushroom is massive and very dense, up to 6 cm in diameter and up to 10 cm in height. In shape, it is club-shaped, with a thickening closer to the surface of the earth, and in color it is yellow with a bright red large mesh. Sometimes the net on the leg can be of a lighter shade - olive or even whitish.
The satanic mushroom is not only inedible, but also highly poisonous. Accidental consumption of only about 50 g of pulp can lead to serious consequences - toxic damage to the liver and central nervous system.
How to tell a satanic mushroom from an oak tree
Dubovik and poisonous satanic mushroom have a strong similarity, under certain conditions it is quite difficult to distinguish between them. The species are similar in size and shape of hats and legs, have a similar color, and turn blue equally from contact with air.
But since an error in collection and preparation can lead to fatal consequences up to a lethal outcome, it is imperative to distinguish between fruiting bodies. This can be done by several differences between the porcini mushroom and the satanic one.
How to distinguish poddubovik from satanic mushroom by reaction to damage
Both the satanic mushroom and the edible tasty oak tree acquire a blue tint on the cut, this quality is usually attributed to similar features. However, there is also a difference.
If you press on an oak tree or cut its cap, the flesh turns blue almost instantly, which is why the variety is informally called "bruise". But the satanic mushroom, when damaged, does not turn blue immediately - first, its pulp acquires a reddish color, and only then slowly turns blue.
How to distinguish an oak tree from a satanic mushroom by the color of the pulp
Another difference lies in the color of the fresh pulp, which has not had time to turn blue. On the fault, the oak tree will be pale yellow, lemon-colored. In poisonous fruit bodies, the pulp is light, almost white, it may seem even more attractive, but you should not be fooled by a pleasant color.
How to distinguish a satanic mushroom from a boletus by the color of the cap
In terms of skin color on the surface of the cap, the two varieties can be very similar. However, there is still a difference in color. In the oak tree, the shade of the cap is rather olive, with orange notes, and in the satanic mushroom, the characteristic gray color always predominates.
First aid for poisoning with a satanic mushroom
Despite all the efforts, sometimes the oak tree is still confused with the satanic mushroom and the poisonous pulp is eaten. This is very dangerous for human health - the toxic substances in the damn mushroom can strongly affect the internal organs and the nervous system. If too much poisonous pulp is consumed, even lethal outcome is possible, if the poisoned person decides not to see a doctor.
The first symptoms of poisoning usually occur 3-5 hours after consuming a toxic product. The timing strongly depends on the state of health and characteristics of the organism, sometimes alarming signs may appear after 1.5 hours, sometimes intoxication occurs after 8 hours or more.
Symptoms of satanic mushroom poisoning are:
- pain in the stomach and intestines;
- nausea and vomiting;
- increased gas production and diarrhea;
- noticeable weakness and dizziness;
- headache and fever;
- sweating and chills;
- feeling short of breath and tachycardia.
Since the symptoms increase over time, it is important to call a doctor immediately when the first signs of intoxication appear. In anticipation of his arrival, it is necessary to take a number of measures that can slow down the development of poisoning:
- First of all, you need to induce vomiting - this will allow you to remove from the body some of the toxins that have not yet had time to be absorbed into the mucous membranes. It is necessary to drink at least 5 glasses of water in a row, or about 2 liters, and then forcibly empty the stomach. It is advisable to repeat the procedure 2-3 times until the remnants of the mushrooms leave the body entirely.
- If the poisonous mushroom pulp has been eaten for a long time, you should drink a strong fast-acting laxative or even give a cleansing enema. This will remove some of the toxins from the intestines.
- While waiting for the arrival of the doctor, you need to drink plenty of water, in small portions, but often. Due to diarrhea and constant vomiting, the body intensively loses fluid, and dehydration against the background of poisoning poses a particular health hazard.
- It is best to wait for the doctor while sitting or lying down, without making any sudden movements. It is strictly forbidden to go out and even more so to go to work, despite feeling unwell.
Tips from experienced mushroom pickers
When collecting edible oak trees, mushroom pickers are advised to remember a few rules:
- If the species of the find raises doubts, it is better to bypass it and not risk it. The consequences of satanic mushroom poisoning are too serious to rely on luck when eating mushroom pulp.
- When trying to distinguish between oak wood and poisonous satanic mushroom, it is best to rely on the discoloration of the flesh when cut. Other differences may be less visible and less straightforward.
- Not all satanic mushrooms emit an unpleasant aroma of rotten onions. Young fruiting bodies can smell very pleasant, so the smell cannot be considered a reliable enough difference either.
In photographs, the oak tree and the satanic mushroom may appear completely different from each other. You should not be fooled by this, since differences in appearance are highly dependent on growing conditions and even on lighting. In the forest, the difference is often less obvious and the similarity is very strong.
Conclusion
The differences between the satanic mushroom and the oak tree are easy to remember, but it is important to correctly apply knowledge in practice. First of all, you need to look at the speed of the blue pulp on the cut, and if the forest find is still in doubt, it is better to leave it in the forest and not put it in a basket.
