Content
Kudonia curlata is an inedible member of the Kudonia family. It grows from July to September in spruce forests, less often in deciduous forests. The species got its name from its growth in swirling, clustered groups. Since the mushroom is not eaten, in order not to make mistakes during mushroom hunting and not harm your body, you need to familiarize yourself with the external characteristics, view photos and videos.
What do curled kudonias look like?
This forest dweller has a convex or prostrate-depressed cap with edges curled inward. The surface is small, no more than 3 cm in diameter. The tuberous-wrinkled skin is dry, matte, uneven, in wet weather it becomes covered with mucus and shines in the sun. The cap is colored coffee-pink, red-cream, sometimes numerous small red-coffee spots appear on the surface.The creamy spore layer is uneven, rough, and wrinkled closer to the stalk.
The hollow leg, expanding towards the top, is flattened and curved, reaches a length of 5-8 cm. The surface is covered with thin skin, which is colored in the color of the cap; closer to the ground, the color changes to a darker color. The pulp is fibrous, odorless and tasteless.
Where do kudonias curled grow?
This representative of the mushroom kingdom settles in clusters on coniferous needle-like litter or in moss. They are arranged in spiral groups or form “witch circles”. It can be found throughout Russia; it begins to bear fruit from July to September. Reproduction occurs through microscopic spores that are located in a creamy powder.
Is it possible to eat curled kudonias?
Due to the lack of taste, smell and unsightly appearance, the mushroom is considered inedible. But there is no exact information about toxicity, so experienced mushroom pickers recommend passing by unknown specimens. This species does not have edible counterparts, but there are brothers similar in appearance:
- Doubtful - inedible specimen. It can be recognized by its small, unevenly lumpy cap. The light lemon, cream or reddish skin is sometimes covered with dark spots. The surface is matte, but on a rainy day it becomes shiny and covered with a slimy layer. The curved leg is flattened, up to 5 cm long. The fibrous pulp exudes an almond aroma. It grows on a coniferous substrate and bears fruit from July until the first frost. The species is rare and rarely found in Russian forests.
- Leotia gelatinous - a small, inedible representative of the forest kingdom. The species grows in small families in coniferous forests, on a needle-like substrate.You can recognize the mushroom by its external description: a dark yellow, slimy cap with a diameter of up to 2 cm; when infected with parasites, the skin changes color to bright green. The round-lumpy surface is covered with mucus, the gelatinous pulp is yellow-green in color, there is no smell or aroma. The leg is covered with numerous light scales and grows throughout the warm period.
Conclusion
Kudonia twisted is an inedible forest dweller that prefers to grow on a coniferous substrate or in moss. It begins to bear fruit from July to September. The mushroom has not yet been fully studied, so the degree of toxicity is unknown. But experts recommend that if you come across unknown specimens during a mushroom hunt, it is better to pass by so as not to harm yourself and your loved ones.
