Content
The tuft stitch, also referred to as pointed or pointed, is one of the most extraordinary spring mushrooms. It belongs to the family Discinaceae, genus Gyromitra.
What does a bunch line look like
The lines got their name for the unusual shape of the hat, reminiscent of the lines of threads in a ball of yarn. Peaked, this species was called because of the angular folded cap, as if folded in the shape of a house with several tops.
Description of the hat
The bunchy line has an unusual and very remarkable cap, the height of which can vary from 4 to 10 cm, and the width - 12-15 cm. Some sources even indicate that this is not the limit of growth, and the mushroom can reach larger sizes.
The surface of the cap is coarsely wavy, folded and consists of several plates bent upwards and forming 2-4 lobes, which are folded unevenly. Their sharp corners are directed towards the sky, and the lower edges lean against the leg.
Inside the hat is hollow, white. And outside in a young specimen, it can be from yellow-orange to red-brown. With growth, the color darkens.
Leg description
The leg of the bunch stitch has a cylindrical shape, widening downward, with ribbed longitudinal protrusions. It is inconspicuous, short and thick, often rudimentary, reaching only 3 cm in height, 2-5 cm in diameter. The color is white, but black blotches are visible at the base, they appear due to accumulated soil in the folds of the leg. It is the remains of the soil that distinguish this representative from his close relatives.
The flesh of the leg is fragile, in the cap it is thin, watery. On the cut, the color can be from white to pinkish. The smell is mild, mushroom.
Is the mushroom edible or not
The bundle line belongs to a number of conditionally edible. But according to various sources, there is conflicting information about the suitability of this mushroom for food. Some indicate that this species is toxic and can cause poisoning. In others, on the contrary, it is written that the mushroom is suitable for consumption after boiling.
Where and how it grows
The most common bunched stitching in Europe. Grows in deciduous forests and clearings, usually singly or in small groups. Prefers calcareous soils, often found in the place of rotting stumps.
Fruiting begins in March, with the peak of growth in April-May.
Doubles and their differences
Due to its unusual appearance, the beam line can only be confused with such mushrooms as:
- giant line - conditionally edible, it has a larger size and a light cap, to
- autumn line - differs in the fruiting period, which falls on July-August, and it is also more toxic, inedible and deadly poisonous when fresh.
Conclusion
The tuft stitch is an early spring representative of the mushroom kingdom, which opens a new season for mushroom pickers. But do not fill baskets as you should be careful with this type of cooking. Otherwise, the use of pointed lines can lead to poisoning.
