Content
Sand geopora, Lachnea arenosa, Scutellinia arenosa is a marsupial fungus that belongs to the Pyronemic family. It was first described in 1881 by the German mycologist Leopold Fuckel and for a long time was called Peziza arenosa. Considered rare. The common name Geopora arenosa was given to it in 1978 and published by the Biological Society of Pakistan.
What does sand geopora look like?
This mushroom is characterized by an unusual structure of the fruiting body, since it lacks a stalk. The upper part at the initial stage of growth has a hemispherical shape and is completely underground. With further development, the cap becomes dome-shaped and comes to the surface of the soil, but not completely, but only halfway. When the sandy geopore matures, the upper part ruptures and forms three to eight triangular lobes. In this case, the mushroom does not flatten, but retains its goblet shape. Therefore, many novice mushroom pickers may mistake it for the mink of some animal.
The inner surface of the mushroom is smooth, its shade can vary from light gray to ocher. On the outside of the fruiting body there are short wavy villi, often branched at the end. Therefore, when they reach the surface, grains of sand and plant debris are retained in them. The top of the mushroom is yellowish-brown.
The diameter of the upper part of the sandy geopore does not exceed 1-3 cm when fully opened, which is significantly smaller than that of other representatives of this family. And the fruiting body grows no more than 2 cm in height.
Sandy geopore develops underground for several months before reaching the surface.
The pulp is dense, but with a little impact it breaks easily. Its color is whitish-gray; upon contact with air, the shade remains. It has no obvious odor.
The hymenium is located on the inside of the fruiting body. The spores are smooth, elliptical, colorless. Each of them contains 1-2 large drops of oil and several small ones. They are located in 8-spore bags and are arranged in one row. Their size is 10.5-12*19.5-21 microns.
Sandy geopora can only be distinguished from pine geopora in laboratory conditions, since the latter has much larger spores
Where does sand geopora grow?
It grows year-round if there are favorable conditions for the development of mycelium. But you can see the opened fruiting bodies on the surface from the beginning of September to the end of November.
This variety of geopora prefers sandy soil and also grows in burnt areas, sand and gravel paths in old parks and near ponds that are formed as a result of sand mining. This species is widespread in Crimea, as well as in central and southern Europe.
Sandy geopora grows mainly in small groups of 2-4 specimens, but is also found alone.
Is it possible to eat sand geopora?
This species is classified as inedible. Sandy geopora cannot be consumed either fresh or processed.
Given the rarity and insignificant volume of the pulp, which has no nutritional value, it would be irresponsible to collect even out of idle interest.
Conclusion
Sand geopora is a goblet-shaped mushroom, the properties of which have not been fully studied due to its small number. Therefore, if you find a successful find, you should never tear it off or try to pull it out. This is the only way to preserve this rare species and give it the opportunity to leave behind offspring.
