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Geopora pine is an unusual, rare mushroom of the Pyronemic family, belonging to the Ascomycetes department. It is not easy to find in the forest, since over the course of several months it develops underground, like its other relatives. In some sources, this species can be found as pine sepultaria, Peziza arenicola, Lachnea arenicola or Sarcoscypha arenicola. In official mycologist reference books this species is called Geopora arenicola.
What does pine geopora look like?
The fruiting body of this mushroom has a non-standard shape, since it lacks a stalk. Young specimens have a spherical shape, which at the initial stage is formed underground. And as the fungus grows, it emerges to the surface of the soil in the form of a dome. During the ripening period, the cap of the pine geopora breaks and becomes like a star with torn edges. But at the same time, the shape of the mushroom remains voluminous, and does not open up to the prostrate form.
The diameter of the upper part is 1-3 cm and only with rare exceptions can it reach 5 cm.The walls are thick, however, with slight physical impact they crumble easily.
The inner side of the fruiting body has a smooth surface. The shade varies from light cream to yellowish-gray. Due to the nature of the structure, water often collects inside.
The outer side is densely covered with long narrow pile. Therefore, when the fungus reaches the soil surface, grains of sand get stuck in it. The outside of the fruit body is much darker and may be brown or ocher in color. At the break, you can see light, dense pulp, which has no obvious odor. When interacting with air, the shade remains.
The spore-bearing layer is located on the inner surface of the pine geopore. The bags are cylindrical, 8-spore. The spores are elliptical in shape with 1-2 drops of oil. Their size is 23-35 * 14-18 microns, which distinguishes this species from sandy geopore.
The outer surface is covered with barbed brown hairs
Where does pine geopora grow?
This species belongs to the rare category. It grows exclusively in the southern climate zone. Pine geopora can be found in European countries, and successful finds have also been recorded in the Crimea. The fruiting period begins in January and lasts until the end of February.
Grows in pine plantings. Prefers to settle on sandy soils, in moss and crevices. Forms a symbiosis with pine. It grows in small groups of 2-3 specimens, but is also found singly.
Pine geopore develops in conditions of high humidity. Therefore, during dry periods, the growth of mycelium stops until favorable conditions return.
Is it possible to eat pine geopora?
This species is considered inedible. It should not be consumed either fresh or after processing. However, official studies on the toxicity of geopore have not been carried out due to its small number.
The small size of the fruiting body and the fragile pulp, which becomes hard when ripe, do not represent any nutritional value. In addition, the appearance of the mushroom and the degree of distribution are unlikely to make lovers of quiet hunting want to collect and prepare it.
Conclusion
Geopora pine is one of the representatives of the Pyronemaceae family, distinguished by the unusual structure of the fruiting body. This mushroom is of interest to mycologists, since its properties are still poorly understood. Therefore, when meeting in the forest, you should not pick it, just admire it from a distance. And then this unusual mushroom will be able to spread its ripe spores.
