Content
The short-horned hedgehog (Creolophus cirrhatus) is a representative of the Hedgehog family, the genus Creolophus, distinguished by its original shape and peculiar beauty. Another name is Creolophus antennae. Outwardly, it resembles a blossoming flower, consisting of several original twisting fruiting bodies.
Its fruiting body does not look at all like an ordinary mushroom, which is the main “highlight” of the urchin.
Description of the Antennae Hedgehog
The shorthorn mushroom is a multi-tiered, fan-shaped, fleshy mushroom. The upper part is felt. On its lower surface there are numerous long hanging spikes (whiskers) of a conical shape. Their color is white at first, then becomes yellowish.The fruiting body grows up to 15 cm in height and up to 10-20 cm in diameter.
Shape – hemispherical, flesh color – white or pink
Description of the cap
The hat is round, fan-shaped, irregular in shape. Sessile, convoluted, enfolding, laterally adherent. Sometimes it is tongue-shaped, tapering towards the base, with a lowered or tucked edge. The surface of the cap is hard and rough to the touch. Covered with pressed and ingrown lint. It is always painted the same color.
At a young age, the mushroom is quite light; later, the folded edge acquires a reddish tint.
Description of the leg
As such, Creolophos antennal does not have a leg. The mushroom is attached to the wood by the edge of the cap.
Collecting mushrooms is not very easy, since they often grow quite high on tree trunks
Where and how does it grow
The tendril hedgehog grows in mixed plantings. Found everywhere in the European part of Russia, Siberia and the Far East. It grows mainly in tiers on tree trunks and stumps. Prefers damp forest areas.
Sometimes several fruiting bodies grow on one tree at once, intertwined into one inflorescence, similar to a bouquet. They are quite rare on ground cover. Fruits in the autumn. Sometimes the mushroom season begins at the end of summer.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Belongs to edible mushrooms of category 3-4. The highest taste qualities are observed at a young age. The pulp of an old mushroom becomes hard (corky) and tasteless. It is a low-calorie product; 100 g contains no more than 22 kcal.
It is also used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, in particular for the prevention of cancer.
Doubles and their differences
The tendril has no resemblance to ordinary mushrooms. Sometimes mushroom pickers may confuse it with the inedible northern Climacodon. Distinctive features are:
- correct shape of the fruiting body;
- the spines and joints in the lower part are cantilever-shaped.
Conclusion
The tendril hedgehog is an original mushroom without a cap or stem, thereby differing from ordinary similar representatives. It is not only tasty, but also very healthy. It is used as an antitumor agent. It is a rather rare species, so it is often grown in artificially created conditions.
