Content
At the end of summer and beginning of autumn, people begin to actively collect mushrooms that grow in forest areas. Everyone, out of habit, collects russula, chanterelles, boletus and champignons. But some on the way come across nondescript specimens called green hypomyces.
What does hypomyces green look like?
This type of mycoparasite is called pekiella yellow-green or hypomyces. It belongs to the inedible category. Most often it parasitizes russula and saffron milk caps. They begin to appear in mid-June and continue their activity until the end of September.
It has several distinctive features. The parasite primarily appears on the plates of the host fungus. It gradually covers it, which leads to reduction. The affected aerial part is completely penetrated by the mycelium of the parasite.If you cut the fruiting body, you will find round white cavities inside.
The size of the fruiting body does not exceed 0.3 mm. Characterized by a slight mushroom odor. The parasite has a spherical body with a blunt tip. Its surface is smooth. On the outside, the fruit is covered with a yellow or dark olive-colored coating. The white mycelium of the parasite completely infects the host. Over time, the fruit becomes tough.
Hypomyces begins to appear in mid-June, as soon as the first above-ground parts of the fruiting body are formed
At first it is pale yellow or green in color. Unaware people will not notice significant changes.
Where does Hypomyces green grow?
The mycoparasite spreads almost everywhere where porcini mushrooms, saffron milk caps or russula grow. It can often be found in the forests of the Urals or Siberia. It is often found not only in Russia, but also in Kazakhstan. What is noteworthy is that hypomyces may not be immediately visible. If it is just beginning to develop, the fruiting body will have its usual shape and color.
Is it possible to eat hypomyces green?
The question of the edibility of the affected fruit is quite controversial. Some argue that hypomyces can be eaten. Only after being infected by the parasite does the mushroom acquire the taste of sea delicacies.
Others say that eating affected fruiting bodies is impossible. They lose their presentation and can cause damage to the body.
Most often, the mycoparasite is hidden under the cap, and changes are not always visible when cut
If the fruit body is severely affected, then round cavities of a whitish or brownish hue can be observed inside.
Poisonings by this parasitic species have not been recorded.But if you cook the mushroom incorrectly, it can lead to unpleasant symptoms.
This process is accompanied by:
- cramping abdominal pain;
- nausea;
- urge to vomit;
- diarrhea.
The first signs of poisoning may appear within 6-7 hours after eating contaminated russula. And their intensity will depend on how much of the product was eaten.
Therefore, if a mushroom picker finds green fruits in the forest, it is better not to collect them, so as not to risk your health.
Conclusion
Hypomyces green is considered a common type of fungus. There is still no clear information about its edibility. The green parasite affects such well-known species as russula, saffron milk caps and porcini mushrooms. Some people believe that it does not harm the human body, while it has an unusual taste of overseas delicacies, but a frightening appearance. No cases of poisoning by affected russula or camelina were identified.
