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Hebeloma mustard is one of the types of lamellar mushrooms, which is part of the Hymenogasteraceae family. It is quite common, so it is often found between August and November. The fruit body of this species has a classic shape with a clearly defined cap and stem. The official name of the mushroom is Hebeloma sinapizans.
What does hebeloma mustard look like?
This species is characterized by a large size and reaches a height of 12-15 cm. The cap of Hebeloma mustard has a dense, fleshy consistency. Its diameter can vary between 5-15 cm.
In young specimens it is cone-shaped with curved edges, but as it matures it becomes prostrate with a clearly defined tubercle in the center. Overripe mushrooms develop a characteristic waviness along the edge of the cap.The surface is smooth, shiny, sticky. Its color can vary from cream to reddish-brown. At the same time, it is richer in the center, and becomes lighter closer to the edge.
On the reverse side of the cap there are rare plates with a rounded edge. Initially they have a beige tint, and then become light brown. Ocher-colored spore powder.
The pulp has a dense structure, fleshy, white. When broken, it does not change color and has a distinct, pungent odor reminiscent of radish.
The leg is cylindrical, thickened at the base. Its height is 7-10 cm. At the initial stage of growth it is dense, and then becomes hollow. Its shade is yellowish-white. But in the upper part there are small brown scales, forming an inconspicuous ring-shaped pattern.
The spores of this species are elliptical in shape. Their surface is characterized by a rough texture, and the size is 10-14 by 6-8 microns.
Where does hebeloma mustard grow?
This species is found quite often in nature. It can be found in coniferous, birch and mixed forests. In addition, hebeloma mustard grows in clearings, park areas, abandoned gardens and meadows, if favorable conditions are created for its growth. It can grow either as individual specimens or in small groups.
In the world of hebeloma, mustard grows in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. Therefore, it is quite common in European countries. It is also found in North America and Asia. On the territory of Russia it can be found in the European part, the Far East and Western Siberia.
The fruiting period of mustard hebeloma begins in August and lasts throughout October. If the weather is favorable, individual specimens can be found in November.
Is it possible to eat Hebeloma mustard?
This species is considered poisonous and therefore should not be eaten. The toxic substances of mustard hebeloma have not been fully studied, but no fatal cases have been recorded.
What is known is that this mushroom causes food intoxication, the symptoms of which appear 2-3 hours after ingestion.
Symptoms of poisoning
When consuming hebeloma mustard, a person initially feels general malaise and dizziness. Then characteristic signs of food poisoning appear, which are expressed:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- dry mouth;
- chills;
- cramps in the stomach;
- loose stools;
- elevated temperature.
First aid for poisoning
If you feel unwell, you should immediately call an ambulance. While waiting for a doctor, it is necessary to rinse the stomach to prevent further absorption of toxins into the blood.
After this, drink activated carbon at the rate of 1-2 tablets for every 10 kg of weight. Taking medications other than absorbents is strictly prohibited, as this will distort the clinical picture.
Conclusion
Hebeloma mustard is a poisonous mushroom that can be harmful to health. But since it has virtually no similar edible counterparts, experienced mushroom pickers do not confuse it with other species.
Poisoning can only occur as a result of inattentive collection or ignorance of the characteristic differences between edible mushrooms.
