Content
Galerina sphagnum is a representative of the Strophariaceae family, genus Galerina. This mushroom is quite common throughout the world, often found in coniferous and deciduous forests of South and North America, Europe and Asia.
What does galerina sphagnum look like?
Galerina sphagnum is a fruiting body with a pronounced cap and a thin stalk, and has the following characteristics:
- In young mushrooms, the cap has a cone-shaped shape, and with age it becomes hemispherical, in some cases flat. Its diameter varies from 0.6 to 3.5 cm. The color can be brown or ocher, and when dry it takes on a light yellow tint. The surface is smooth, but in young specimens fibrous edges can be traced. During periods of heavy rain it becomes sticky.
- Her plates are narrow and frequent.When young they are colored light ocher, but over time they acquire a brown tint.
- The spores are ovoid, brown in color. There are 4 spores on the basidia at a time.
- The leg of this species is hollow, smooth and fibrous, reaching up to 12 cm in length. As a rule, the color matches the cap. A young mushroom has a ring on its stem, which quickly disappears as it matures.
- The pulp of galerina sphagnum is thin, watery and brittle. Usually the color can be similar to the cap or several shades lighter. The aroma and taste are practically not noticeable.
Where does Galerina sphagnum grow?
The favorable time for the development of galerina sphagnum is the period from June to late autumn, but active fruiting occurs from August. With a warm, long autumn, this specimen can be found even in November. Coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as swampy areas, are preferable for them. They grow mainly on rotted wood of deciduous and coniferous species, on stumps and moss-covered soil. They can grow individually or in small families. This species is quite common, and therefore can be found in almost any corner of the world, perhaps with the exception of Antarctica.
Is it possible to eat galerina sphagnum
Despite the fact that galerina sphagnum does not belong to the category of poisonous, it is not an edible mushroom, since it does not represent any nutritional value. Experienced mushroom pickers do not recommend experimenting with it and using it for food, since the toxic properties of this species have not been fully studied.You should also be wary of the fact that most mushrooms of the genus Galerina are poisonous and can cause serious damage to the body.
How to distinguish from doubles
Quite often, beginning mushroom pickers confuse the specimen in question with edible honey mushrooms. To avoid misunderstandings, it is necessary to pay attention to the following features of these types.
- If a dubious specimen was found in a coniferous forest, then the mushroom picker is dealing with a galerina. You should know that honey mushrooms do not grow in this area, and for the species in question, the coniferous forest is a favorite place.
- As a rule, galerina sphagnum grows singly or in small clusters, and honey mushrooms prefer to be located in groups.
- Another difference is the ring on honey mushrooms. It is worth considering that a young galerina sphagnum may also have it, but as they grow older, the ring quickly disappears and only a small trace remains of it.
Conclusion
Galerina sphagnum is a common species that can be found almost anywhere in the world. However, this specimen is an inedible mushroom and, accordingly, is not recommended for consumption. Despite the fact that its toxicity has not been proven, it is not worth putting yourself at risk. When searching for edible gifts of the forest, you should be as careful as possible so as not to mistakenly bring a little-studied specimen. If you have even the slightest doubt about the mushroom you find, it is better to leave it in the forest.
