Content
Ileodictyon edible or white basketweed is a rare species of mushroom that is part of the Veselkovy family. The official name is Ileodictyon cibarium. It is a saprophyte, so it feeds on dead organic matter removed from the soil.
Where do edible Ileodictyons grow?
This species is native to Australia and New Zealand, although cases of its occurrence have been recorded in Chile. It was introduced into England and Africa.
Grows directly on soil or forest floor. It does not have a clearly defined period of active growth, since in the presence of favorable conditions it can appear at any time of the year in the tropics and subtropics. It grows solitarily, but experts admit the possibility of encountering a group of mushrooms under conditions of high humidity and temperatures within +25 °C.
Favorable conditions for growth:
- increased soil moisture;
- high organic content;
- temperature not less than +25°C;
- low light levels throughout the day.
What do edible Ileodictyons look like?
As it grows, Ileodictyon edible changes its shape. Initially, the mushroom is a light-colored egg with a thin membrane, 7 cm in diameter, which is attached to the soil by strands of mycelium. When ripe, the shell ruptures and a compressed lattice sphere becomes visible underneath it, which then gradually increases in size. Its diameter reaches from 5 to 25 cm. The number of cells of the fruiting body ranges from 10 to 30 pieces. All of them are connected to each other by lumpy bridges 1-2 cm wide, without thickening at the junctions.
The upper surface of the fruiting body is white and covered with a gelatinous thick shell and a peridium layer. On the reverse side there is an olive-brown coating of spore-bearing mucus. When ripe, the top part of the mushroom can detach from the base and move through the forest. This feature allows Ileodictyon edible to expand its distribution area.
Smooth spores have the shape of an ellipse, their size is 4.5-6 x 1.5-2.5 microns.
Is it possible to eat edible Ileodictyons?
Like other species of the Veselkov family, Ileodictyon edible can be eaten only at an early stage of development, when its shape resembles an egg. It cannot be used for food in the future, as it emits an unpleasant smell of rot, which is why it got its unspoken name - stinking grate.
This specific aroma appears in specimens with mature spores on the inner shell of the fruiting body. This is a kind of bait for insects, thanks to which the spores subsequently spread over long distances.
False doubles
In terms of external features, the edible Ileodictyon is very similar to the red trellis (clathrus). The main difference between the latter is the pink-red color of the fruiting body, which appears as the mushroom matures. In addition, there is a dense jagged fringe on each connecting bridge. This is the only species of the Veselkov family that can be found in Russia. Due to its small number, it is listed in the Red Book, so picking it is strictly prohibited.
Red clathrus grows in deciduous forests, but sometimes it can be found in mixed plantings. This species is inedible, but its color and pronounced unpleasant odor are unlikely to make anyone want to try it.
Also, the white basketweed is similar in structure to the graceful Ileodictyon gracile. But the latter has much thinner lattice lintels and smaller cell sizes. Therefore, their number can reach 40 pieces during the period of mushroom maturation. This species can also be eaten at the stage of egg formation, until the characteristic unpleasant odor characteristic of many species of the Veselkov family appears.
Conclusion
Ileodictyon edible is of particular interest to specialists, since its development process and the structure of the fruiting body are unique.
To preserve this species, attempts are being made to introduce it in greenhouses around the world. This makes it possible to significantly expand the geography of distribution.
