Content
The stinking puffball is a common species of the Champignon family. Its characteristic feature is the dark color of the fruiting body and curved spines on the surface. In addition, the mushroom emits a peculiar odor reminiscent of illuminating gas, which is why it got its name. In official directories it is listed as Lycoperdon nigrescens or Lycoperdon montanum.
Description of the smelly raincoat
It is characterized by a non-standard shape of the fruiting body, so the cap and stem of the stinking raincoat represent a single whole. The surface is brown and densely strewn with drooping spines, which fit tightly to each other, and thereby form star-shaped clusters. The shade of the growths is much darker than the main tone.
The stinking raincoat has a pear-shaped inverse shape, narrowed downwards.The upper part is thickened, reaching 1-3 cm in diameter. The height is 1.5-5 cm. When ripe, the spines fall off the surface, leaving a light cellular pattern on a brown background. When ripe, a small hole appears at the top through which the spores come out.
Externally, the smelly raincoat resembles a fleecy mound
The flesh of young specimens is white and firm. Subsequently, it acquires an olive-brown hue, which indicates the maturation of the spores. The lower part is elongated and narrowed and resembles a leg. The spores of this species are spherical brown, their size is 4-5 microns.
Where and how does it grow
This mushroom can be found in coniferous and mixed forests. It grows mainly in groups near spruce trees. Sometimes it can be found in deciduous plantings, which is extremely rare. Prefers soils rich in organic matter and with a high level of acidity.
Distributed in Europe and Central Russia.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The stinking puffball is inedible. It should not be eaten either fresh or after processing. Even young specimens with light flesh are unsuitable for food, unlike other relatives of this family. However, given the characteristic smell of the mushroom, it is unlikely that anyone would think of collecting it.
Doubles and their differences
This mushroom is similar to other members of its family. To be able to distinguish between them, it is necessary to study the characteristic features.
Similar lookalikes:
- Pearl raincoat. The fruiting body of young specimens is warty and light in color. The spines are straight and elongated. As it matures, the surface becomes bare and becomes brownish-ochre. In addition, the pulp has a pleasant smell.This species is considered edible, however, only young specimens should be collected. Its official name is Lycoperdon perlatum.
Thanks to its snow-white color, finding this species in the forest is not particularly difficult.
- Blackberry raincoat. The fruit body is initially white, and then turns light brown. The flesh of young specimens is light, and when ripe the spores become reddish-brown. The spines on the surface are elongated. With little physical impact, the growths easily fall off and expose the surface. The mushroom is considered edible as long as its flesh remains light in color. The official name is Lycoperdon echinatum.
This double is distinguished by elongated spines that resemble the needles of a hedgehog
Conclusion
The smelly raincoat is of no interest to mushroom pickers. This species deserves attention due to the unusual shape of the fruiting body. It will not be particularly difficult to distinguish it from its edible relatives by its repulsive smell.
I think I'll take a chance and fry a couple of them! The rest are deep frozen