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The White-crowned scale has the Latin name Hemistropharia albocrenulata. Its name was often changed because it could not accurately determine its taxonomic affiliation. Therefore, it has acquired many designations:
- Agaricus albocrenulatus;
- Pholiota fusca;
- Hebeloma albocrenulatum;
- Pholiota albocrenulata;
- Hypodendrum albocrenulatum;
- Stropharia albocrenulata;
- Hemipholiota albocrenulata;
- Hemipholiota albocrenulata.
This species is one of 20 in the genus Hemistropharia. It is similar to the Foliot genus. The presence of scales on the body of mushrooms and growth on trees are common features of these taxa. Representatives of Hemistropharia differ at the cellular level in the absence of cystids and the color of basidiospores (darker).The mushroom was discovered by American mycologist Charles Horton Peck in 1873.
What does white scale look like?
It owes its name to its appearance. The body of the mushroom is completely covered with white scales. These growths disappear over time.
The odor of the white scale is muted, sour, reminiscent of radish with mushroom notes. The pulp is yellowish, fibrous, hard. It gets darker towards the base. The spores are brown, ellipsoidal in shape (size 10-16x5.5-7.5 microns).
Young lamellae are grayish-yellow. They are convex (as if flowing down). With age, the plates acquire a gray or gray-brown color with a purple tint. The ribs become sharp, angular, and more pronounced.
Description of the cap
The diameter of the cap of the white scale is from 4 to 10 cm. It is varied in shape. It can be dome-shaped, hemispherical or flat-convex. Characteristic is a tubercle at the apex. The color varies from brown to light mustard. The surface is strewn with triangular scales.
A torn veil, folded inward, is suspended from the edge. After rain or high humidity, the mushroom cap becomes shiny and covered with a thick layer of mucus.
Description of the leg
Height up to 10 cm. Light shade due to the abundance of scales. The color of the leg between them is darker. It widens slightly towards the base. Has a noticeable ring zone (very fibrous). Above it, the surface acquires a corrugated texture. Over time, a cavity forms inside.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
White scale is not poisonous, but not edible either. It has a strong bitter, astringent taste.
Where and how does it grow
This fungus is a phytosaprophage, meaning it feeds on the decomposition of other organisms. Grows on dead trees.
White scales can be found:
- in deciduous, mixed forests;
- in parks;
- near ponds;
- on stumps, roots;
- on dead wood.
This mushroom prefers:
- poplars (mainly);
- aspen;
- beeches;
- ate;
- Oak trees.
White-horned scale grows in Lower Bavaria, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Widespread in Russia. The Far East, the European part, Eastern Siberia - Hemistropharia albocrenulata can be found everywhere. Appears by mid-spring.
Doubles and their differences
Often mushrooms of different species and genera look similar to each other. Therefore, it is easy to confuse them. White scale is no exception. You should remember the edible and poisonous counterparts of Stropharia white-necked.
Stropharia rugosoannulata
It also grows on organic waste. Is edible. But some complain of malaise and stomach pain when using it. So you should be careful when trying Stropharia rugose-ringed. It differs from the Scalefish by noticeable remains of velum and the absence of scales.
Stropharia hornemannii
It is distinguished by its pallor. There are no growths or mesh veil on the cap. It grows towards the end of summer. Hornemann's stropharia is toxic.
Pholiota adiposa
The scales are thick and colored yellow. Its scales are rusty in color. The smell is woody. Not edible because it's bitter.
Conclusion
White scale is considered a rare mushroom. It is under the protection of many countries. Included in the register of protected and endangered species in Poland. In the Russian Federation it also has a special status. For example, it is in the red book of the Novgorod region with the mark “vulnerable”.
Therefore, treat the white-horned scale with care if you encounter it in the forest.
