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Hebeloma adhesive (Valuy false) is a representative of the Pautinnikov family, which is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. The name has many synonyms: horseradish mushroom, poisoned pie, fairy cake, etc. Despite its rather attractive appearance, it is classified as mildly poisonous.
What does Gebeloma adhesive look like?
The diameter of the adhesive hebeloma cap can be from 3 to 10 cm.Its color is yellowish-brown, with a noticeable darkening in the center. In young fruiting bodies it has a convex cushion-like shape. With age, its surface flattens, and a wide tubercle appears on it.
At an early age, the cap is covered with mucus; over time, it becomes dry and shiny. Depending on external factors, the color can vary from grayish to red-brown. The edges of the cap are slightly bent.
Hebeloma adhesive specimens of different ages
The leg has a cylindrical shape. Its diameter is 1-2 cm, and its length is from 3 to 10 cm. At first it is white, but with age it becomes yellowish, then brown. In addition, in mature specimens the leg becomes noticeably thicker from below. It is hollow inside and has a scaly outer covering.
The hymenophore is lamellar, its color is the same as that of the leg: at first whitish, over time it becomes yellow or brown. The plates have small grooves on which drops of liquid form in wet weather. It has a brown color due to the presence of spores.
The drying liquid causes the hymenophore to darken
The pulp is white; in older specimens of Hebeloma adhesive it is yellowish. Its layer is thick and the consistency is loose. The taste of the pulp is bitter, the smell is pungent, reminiscent of radish.
Hebeloma adhesive doubles
There are about 25 genera and more than 1000 species in the Pautinnikov family. Among such diversity, Hebeloma adhesive has many similar counterparts. Three types are most common.
Gebeloma coal-loving
Prefers to grow in areas of forest fires. It is smaller in size than the false valui. The diameter of the cap does not exceed 2 cm, and the length of the stem is 4 cm. Another important difference is the coloring. The color of the cap is brown in the center, white-yellow around the perimeter.
Hebeloma carbonifera is covered with mucus throughout its entire life cycle
This mushroom is not poisonous, but it is inedible due to its bitter taste. At the same time, the smell of the pulp is pleasant.
Gebeloma girdled
It has a cap with a diameter of up to 7 cm and a relatively long stem - up to 9 cm. The color practically repeats the color of false valuu, only older specimens have differences (girdled hebeloma has a light brown tint). The growing areas of the varieties almost completely coincide.
The main difference to look for when identifying this species is the thinner layer of flesh on the cap. Another important difference is the light-colored hymenophore. Dark spots do not form on it, since the spores of this species are white.
Externally, the young hebeloma girdled is very similar to false valui
There is still no clear opinion about the suitability of this species for food, so in reference books it is defined as inedible.
Hebeloma mustard
A large species with a uniformly colored cap. Its diameter sometimes reaches 15 cm. The length of the leg varies from 10 to 15 cm. The color is light brown or cream. As the mushroom ages, it becomes mustard-like, hence its name. There are many differences between the species, but the external similarity is manifested due to the shape of the fruiting body. In addition, the mushrooms have the same habitat and ripening time.
Hebeloma mustard is larger than false valui
The main difference is the absence of mucus at any age of the mushroom. The skin on the cap is shiny. In addition, this variety is distinguished by denser flesh and a stem without a cavity. The smell and taste are identical to hebeloma adhesive. The hymenophore is white, its plates are smooth and have no grooves.
Where does hebeloma adhesive grow?
Distributed in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere throughout Europe and Asia - from the Bay of Biscay to the Far East. Found everywhere in Canada and the northern United States. It can be found in both the extreme northern and southern regions. Cases of finding mushrooms in the Arctic Circle and southern Central Asia have been recorded. Was introduced to Australia. Not found in Africa and South America.
It grows in both coniferous and deciduous forests. Can be found in clearings, meadows, clearings, and parks. Despite the fact that it forms mycorrhiza with all types of trees, it prefers deciduous trees - oak, birch, and aspen - to conifers. The nature of the soil, as well as its moisture or shading of the area do not play a role.
Fruiting occurs at the end of summer and lasts until November. In regions with warm winters, the mushroom is found even in December and January. Often forms rings.
Is it possible to eat hebeloma adhesive?
Hebeloma adhesive is an inedible mushroom. Some sources indicate its mild toxicity. Modern mycology still cannot identify which of the toxic substances included in false valui cause poisoning.
Symptoms of poisoning are standard:
- colic in the abdomen;
- diarrhea;
- vomit;
- headache.
The first signs appear a few hours after eating the mushroom. Help for poisoning includes cleansing the stomach and intestines by taking emetics and laxatives, as well as drinking plenty of warm fluids. The use of sorbents (activated carbon) is recommended.
Conclusion
Hebeloma adhesive (Valui false) is a mildly poisonous mushroom from the Arachnoid family, found everywhere in the temperate climate of Eurasia and North America. The hardy and unpretentious species spreads from the hot southern regions to the Far North. It is capable of forming mycorrhiza with almost all types of trees and can grow on soils of any composition and acidity.
