Content
The parasitic volvariella (Volvariella surrecta), also called ascending or ascending, belongs to the Pluteyev family. Belongs to the genus Volvariella, reaches large sizes. A characteristic feature of this species is that its spores begin to develop only in the fruiting bodies of other types of mushrooms.
What does Volvariella parasitic look like?
Young specimens have neat spherical caps of almost white color with a scaly edge, dry. As they grow, they straighten, becoming ovoid, and then umbellate, outstretched. The diameter is from 2.5 to 8 cm. The edges are even, slightly curled inward. With age, the color darkens to a creamy grayish and silvery brown. The top of the adult fruiting body is almost black, towards the edges it changes to light gray. The longitudinal scales of the edge are preserved. The pulp is brittle, juicy, rather fleshy. At the break, it takes on a grayish tint.
Strong legs, straight throughout, slightly tapering upwards. The longitudinal grooves are covered with a delicate velvety down. Length from 2 cm in young mushrooms to 10 cm in the largest specimens. Color from gray-white to slightly pinkish.
The ring is absent, white or silvery remains at the root, the remnants of a velvety veil-wolf that turn black as it grows.
The plates are often arranged, thin, with serrated flaky edges. In a young mushroom, they are pure white, after which they darken to a pinkish-brown hue. Light pink spore powder.
Where does Volvariella parasitic grow
Volvariella ascending grows on the decaying remains of other fungi, mainly of the Clitocybe nebularis species. Occasionally chooses other fruiting bodies. It resembles the conditionally edible Silky Volvariella, but, unlike it, grows in large and small groups, located close to each other.
The mycelium begins to bear fruit as overgrown and rotten fruiting carriers appear, from August to November. The owners of the Ryadkov family prefer deciduous and coniferous forests, nitrogen and humus-rich soil, heaps of fallen leaves, plant and wood waste in gardens and vegetable gardens.
This type of fruiting bodies is quite rare. In Russia, it grows only in the Amur Region, in the Mukhinka forest tract. Distributed in North America, India, China, Korea, New Zealand. Also found in North Africa and Europe.
Is it possible to eat parasitic Volvariella
The pulp is white, thin, tender, with a pleasant mushroom aroma and sweetish taste.It is classified as an inedible variety, since it has no nutritional value. It is not toxic. Parasitic Volvariella has no poisonous twins. Due to its characteristic appearance and habitat, it is easily recognizable and difficult to confuse with other species.
Conclusion
The parasitic volvariella is very beautiful. No toxic substances were found in it, but they are not used in cooking due to their low nutritional value. The mycelium develops in the fruiting bodies of talkers, mainly in moist deciduous and coniferous forests, humus-rich substrates. An endangered species on the territory of Russia grows in protected reserves. It can be found in other countries of the Northern Hemisphere, the Far East and New Zealand.
