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At first glance, it may seem to an inexperienced mushroom picker that crushed entoloma is a completely edible mushroom. However, consumption may cause poisoning. The second common name for this mushroom is Entoloma pink-gray. In addition, there are other, less well-known options, such as: crushed or smoky champignon, smoky or gray entoloma, autumn roseate, smoky roseate.
Description of the crushed Entoloma
The flesh of the mushroom is transparent white, is particularly fragile and does not have a pronounced taste.As a rule, pressed entoloma does not smell, but in some cases there may be an odor of nitric acid or alkali. Spores are angular, 8-10.5×7-9 µm. The spore powder is pink in color. The plates are quite wide, young specimens are white, and with age they become pink.
Description of the cap
The cap is from 4 to 10 cm in diameter; in a young specimen it is bell-shaped. With age, the cap gradually opens up to an almost flat shape. It is characterized as dry, hygrophanous, smooth, with a slightly tucked wavy edge.
Description of the leg
Entoloma propressata has a leveled cylindrical stalk, the height of which ranges from 3.5 to 10 cm, and the thickness from 0.5 to 0.15 cm. As a rule, their surface is smooth and painted in a pale gray, white or brown tone. At the junction of the cap and the stem you can see a tiny white pile. The ring is missing.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Entoloma crushed is classified as inedible and poisonous. Consumption may cause severe stomach poisoning. Signs may include: dizziness, nausea, headache, severe vomiting, diarrhea. The duration of poisoning is about 3 days. If consumed in large quantities, it can be fatal.
Where and how does Entoloma pink-gray grow?
This species is quite common, growing throughout almost the entire territory of Russia, as well as in other countries that boast tropical rainforests. Perhaps the only exception is Antarctica.
Doubles and their differences
It is generally accepted that poisonous mushrooms have a bright and attractive color, but this certainly does not apply to this representative of the mushroom kingdom. Entoloma crushed is inconspicuous and has a simple appearance, which is why it can be confused with many other edible mushrooms. The doubles of this mushroom are:
- Pluteus - similar to entoloma in color and size, but it is classified as edible. To distinguish entoloma crushed from the double, you should remember that they grow exclusively on the soil, and plutea are most often located on stumps. The second difference may be the smell: the double has a pleasant floury aroma, while entoloma either does not smell at all or emits an unpleasant ammonia smell.
- Entoloma garden – in color and size it will exactly match the pink-gray one. They grow in forests, parks, and meadows. In addition, they can be found in city gardens under fruit trees - apple, pear, hawthorn.
As a rule, they appear in groups and are conventionally considered edible mushrooms. The main difference is the leg: in the garden entoloma it is twisted, slightly grooved, grayish or pinkish in color, while in the sunken one it is straight, usually white.
Conclusion
Entoloma pressed is a fairly common species that can be found almost anywhere. However, it is important to remember that it is classified as a poisonous mushroom, so when collecting forest gifts, you should carefully study each specimen.
