Content
A large variety of mushrooms grow in a mixed forest, both edible and inedible. The last category includes a specimen with an interesting name - Hymnopilus Juno, which is also called Hymnopilus prominent. This species is a representative of the Hymenogasteraceae family, genus Gymnopil. Quite widespread in Russia, and therefore well known to experienced mushroom pickers.
What does Juno's gymnopilus look like?
It is believed that this species destroys wood, settling on dead or living trees, as well as rotten or drying stumps
The fruiting body of Hymnopylus Juno is presented in the form of a stem and cap with the following characteristics:
- At the initial stage of maturation, the cap has a hemispherical shape, after some time it becomes convex and outstretched with a small tubercle located in the center. Overripe mushrooms have an almost flat cap. In structure it is fleshy, dense and quite thick. The surface is decorated with small scales of the same tone as the cap itself. Colored orange or ocher, with age brown shades predominate. During the rainy season it gets slightly darker.
- On the inside of the cap there are frequent plates that grow with a tooth to the stem. When young they are yellow in color, but over time they acquire a rusty-brown tone.
- The leg of Juno's gymnopilus is fibrous, dense, root-like in shape, thickened at the base. Its length varies from 4 to 20 cm, and thickness - from 0.8 to 3 cm. It is painted brown with an orange or ocher tint. It has a dark ring of rust-colored spores that, when dry, forms a brown belt.
- In young specimens the flesh is pale yellow, in mature mushrooms it is brown. This type is characterized by a subtle almond aroma.
Where does Hymnopilus Juno grow?
The favorable time for fruiting is from mid-summer to late autumn. As a rule, the Hymnopilus Juno lives in mixed forests, preferring to be located under oaks or at the base of the stumps of this type of tree. Quite widespread throughout almost the entire territory of Russia, with the only exception being the Arctic. As a rule, it grows in numerous groups, much less often found alone.
Is it possible to eat Hymnopil Juno?
This species is classified as inedible mushrooms. Gymnopil Juno is not used in cooking due to its inherent bitter taste.In addition, some reference books claim that this type of mushroom has hallucinogenic properties. It is noted that this fact depends on the area of growth. For example, forest products growing in Japan or Korea have a high concentration of psilocybin, but in the United States this substance is practically absent. This alkaloid can cause changes in consciousness.
Doubles of Hymnopil Juno
Due to their special bitter taste, these mushrooms are unsuitable for consumption.
Gymnopil Juno has a common shape and color, and therefore can be confused with other yellow-colored scaly gifts of the forest. Doubles include:
- Herbaceous scale – grows in rich fertile soils. In some countries, this species is listed in the Red Book. Most common in Eurasia and North America. The cap is flat-convex in shape, finely scaly, golden-yellow in color. Belongs to the category of conditionally edible mushrooms. Grows exclusively on soil.
- Golden scale - conditionally edible mushroom. The fruit body is small in size, the bell-shaped cap reaches no more than 18 cm. The stem is dense, without a ring, light brown in color, covered with small scales of a darker shade. A distinctive feature is the presence of red scales, which differ from the general color of the cap.
Conclusion
Gymnopil Juno is an attractive specimen with a beautiful name. Although outwardly this species is similar to some conditionally edible mushrooms, it is prohibited to eat it.Many experts believe that it contains hallucinogenic substances that can lead to unpleasant consequences.
