Content
The webcap is diverse - a representative of the webcap family, the webcap genus. This mushroom is also called smooth-skinned spider web. It is a rare fungus, but sometimes found in Russian deciduous or coniferous forests.
Description of the diverse webcap
The multifaceted webcap got its name from the white cobweb cover that connects the edge of the cap with the leg. Its flesh is firm, thick and fleshy. Initially it is white, but with age it begins to turn yellow. Has no pronounced taste and smell. The spores are brown, ellipsoidal-almond-shaped and rough, 8-9.5 by 5-5.5 microns.
Description of the hat
The cap is hemispherical in shape with a diameter of 6 to 10 cm. With age, it straightens, leaving only a wide tubercle in the center. The surface is damp and smooth. It becomes sticky after heavy rainfall. In dry summers it has a yellowish tint, and with heavy rain it becomes ocher-brown. On the inner side of the cap, rare and whitish plates grow, adherent to the stem. They turn brown over time. In young specimens, they are hidden by a cobweb blanket of white color, which disappears with age.
Leg description
It is characterized as round, dense, solid inside, passing to the base into a small tuber. It grows up to 8 cm in height and has a diameter of about 2 cm. The surface is matte and smooth. As a rule, it is initially painted white, then gradually acquires a yellow tint.
Where and how it grows
This species is especially common in the European part of Russia, as well as in Eastern Europe. A favorable time for their development is from July to October. Most often grow in coniferous and dense deciduous forests. They can grow both singly and in groups.
Is the mushroom edible or not
The diverse webcap is classified as conditionally edible mushrooms. Most reference books claim that before cooking, the gifts of the forest should be boiled for 30 minutes, and the young do not require additional processing at all. Mushrooms are suitable for frying and pickling.
Doubles and their differences
The diverse webcap has a regular and widespread shape, which can sometimes mislead the mushroom picker. Its main counterparts include the following specimens:
- Borovik - has a cap similar in shape and color, but a distinctive feature is a thick leg. They grow in the same foxes as the variegated cobweb. They are classified as edible.
- The webcap is changeable - the fruit body of the multifarious web is identical with the twin: the cap size reaches up to 12 cm, and the leg is up to 10 cm. It has a reddish-orange or brown color. Considered conditionally edible. Most often found in the eastern and southern regions.
Conclusion
The variegated webcap is considered conditionally edible. This type of mushroom can be eaten only after proper pre-processing.
