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The silky volvariella got its name from the volva, which contains the mushroom before ripening. Over time, a kind of shell breaks and forms a bag-shaped blanket at the base of the leg. This specimen also has another name - Volvariella bombicin. Belongs to the Pluteye family. It is considered one of the most beautiful wood-growing mushrooms. Below is complete information about this species of the genus Volvariella.
What does volvariella silky look like?
The fruiting body of this species is considered the largest of the Poppy family, which can grow up to 20 cm.This specimen attracts mushroom pickers with its unusual appearance, it can be distinguished from other gifts of the forest due to the following characteristics:
- The cap of the mushroom is bell-shaped with small scales, the size of which can reach up to 20 cm in diameter. The young volvariella has a silky plastic cap body of white or pale pink color. With age, it becomes convex, flat-spread with a brown-grayish tubercle protruding in the center.
- On the lower part of the cap there are loose, soft plates widened in the middle zone. Their color depends on the age of the fungus. So, in young specimens, they are white, gradually acquiring a pinkish-brown tint.
- The leg is smooth, swollen to the base, the length reaches 8 cm, and the width varies from 0.3 to 0.7 cm. As a rule, it is painted in white and light gray.
- Spores are elliptical, pale pink in color, smooth.
- Volvo is lobed-dissected, membranous and free. It is characterized by a dirty gray or brown color with small brown spots.
- The pulp is thin, dense, white in color. Has no pronounced taste and smell. 3
The development of silky volvariella begins in a kind of egg (volva), with the growth of the fungus, the veil breaks and a specimen with a bell-shaped cap is born, while the leg remains partially wrapped until the end of its existence. The old mushroom becomes shriveled, flabby, naked, acquires a dark brown color.
Where does volvariella silky grow
This species is considered quite rare, and in some regions of Russia and many countries of the world it is listed in the Red Book. So, this copy is under protection in the Republic of Khakassia and on the territory of the Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk and Ryazan regions.
The main habitat is mixed forests, protected areas, natural parks, grows well on weakened or dead deciduous trees. Prefers maple, willow, poplar. Mostly they appear singly, but sometimes they unite in small groups. Active development is observed in the period from July to August, however, it occurs until late autumn. It is a drought-resistant fungus that tolerates heat well.
Is it possible to eat silky volvariella
Silky volvariella is classified as edible mushroom. As you know, experienced mushroom pickers do not have a question about the use of this type, they claim that such a specimen is suitable for consumption. But before being used for food, the gifts of the forest must be processed. To do this, they are pre-cooked for about 30-40 minutes, after which the water is drained.
False doubles
Due to its peculiar appearance, silky volvariella is quite difficult to confuse with other representatives of the forest. But inexperienced mushroom pickers may not distinguish the specimen in question from the following representatives of the forest:
- White (smelly) fly agaric... It is worth noting that this species is poisonous, so it is very important to carefully study the specimen and if there are doubts about its edibility, it is better not to take it. You can distinguish the silky volvariella from the stinking champignon thanks to the grayish "fleecy" cap and pink plates. In addition, the latter is the owner of a ring on a leg, but this species does not have it. Another main difference is the location of the gifts of the forest. Silky volvariella is not found on the ground, it grows exclusively on wood, which is not typical for most mushrooms.
- Float gray - a representative of the genus Amanita. It is considered a conditionally edible mushroom, but it does not particularly attract potential customers due to its appearance and thin pulp. Unlike volvariella, this silky specimen is much smaller in size. So, the diameter of the cap varies from 5 to 10 cm, and the length of the leg is no more than 12 cm. White spore powder. Although this species grows in deciduous and mixed forests, as volvariel, it is found exclusively on the ground.
Collection rules and use
It is not recommended to pull out and twist the volvariella, since the fruiting body can simply crumble, and there is a possibility of damaging the mycelium. Therefore, experts advise to carefully cut the leg with a knife.
As a rule, only hats are used for food, since the legs are harsh. Before preparing a mushroom dish, silky volvariella is cleaned of debris, washed and boiled for 40 minutes. It is not recommended to use mushroom broth in food.
Most mushroom pickers claim that after preliminary culinary treatment, this type is suitable for almost any dish. Silky volvariella can be stewed, fried, boiled and marinated.
Conclusion
Silky volvariella is an exclusively woody fungus. It can be found on old and rotten stumps, logs, on the trunks of living or dry trees, even in hollows. Due to its unusual color and "fleecy" hat, this representative of the genus Volvariella is quite easy to distinguish from its congeners.
