Content
Mutinus caninus is an unusual species belonging to the Veselkov family. The unique appearance of these saprobiotic fungi involuntarily attracts attention. However, the strong repulsive smell of carrion will force the mushroom picker to refrain from collecting.
What does mutinus canine look like?
Mutinus canis was first found and described in 1849 by British naturalist and mycologist William Hudson. Until this point, it was classified as a variety of Mutinus ravenelii.
The mushroom is found in the literature under the following names:
- Phallus caninus;
- Cynophallus caninus;
- Ithyphallus inodorus.
At an early stage of development, the fruiting body of mutinus canis looks like a white, yellowish or pinkish ellipse 2-3 cm in diameter. As the egg grows, it bursts into 2-3 parts, and a hollow cylindrical leg of a spongy structure and yellowish color begins to grow from the resulting crack. On average, it extends 15-18 cm, diameter - 1-1.5 cm. It is crowned with a pointed, thin, finely tuberculated tip, painted in a brick-red color scheme.
When the canine mutinus matures, its tip is covered with an olive-brown spore mucus (glebe), which emits a pungent, nauseating odor. The stench of mutinus canis attracts insects, especially flies, which carry its colorless spore powder and promote reproduction.
Where and how does it grow
Mutinus canisa is a Red Book mushroom. On the territory of Russia it can be found in the following areas:
- Murmanskaya;
- Leningradskaya;
- Stavropol region;
- Krasnodar region;
- Tomskaya;
- Primorye.
Mutinus canis grows in Lithuania, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, and also in North America. The favorite place of the fungus is moist coniferous forests. It settles on rotten dead wood, stumps, and rotting wood. Can grow on sawdust and mulch. Being a humus saprotroph, it prefers well-fertilized soils and is sometimes found among bushes and gardens.
Mutinus caninus grows in small groups, rarely alone. The fruiting period is July-September. After the insects eat the foul-smelling spore mucus, the fruiting body of the fungus dies within three days.
Doubles and their differences
Mutinus canis can be confused with its closest relative, Ravenel's mutinus or stinking morel. The species is distinguished by its more compact size, pinkish stalk and smooth green-olive gleba. It is listed in the Red Book, has been little studied, and is of interest more to mycologists than to mushroom pickers. Classified as inedible.
The canine mutinus is similar to the common edible moth (Phallus impudicus). Smotnik, as it is also called, has a bell-shaped cap.
In some cases, mutinus canis in the egg stage can be confused with the deadly pale grebe (Amanita phalloides). Even in its infancy, the poisonous twin’s cap can be distinguished.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The chemical composition of canine mutinus contains no poisons; no cases of poisoning have been recorded. The mushroom is considered inedible, however, some argue that at the egg stage it can be eaten. Of course, it is better to refrain from such experiments with your own body, and in the absence of other mushrooms, purchase the same champignons in the store.
Medicinal properties
This species has been considered a medicinal mushroom since ancient times. Unfortunately, many recipes have been lost, but it is known for certain that the mushroom is effective in treating gout. Its anti-cancer properties are also known.
Many members of the Veselkov family, including the genus Mutinus, have a rejuvenating effect. Their juice is used to make face masks. Mutinus caninus is a natural antioxidant. It stimulates the immune system and improves performance.
Conclusion
Mutinus canis is a mushroom with an ambiguous appearance and a repulsive smell.If you encounter it in the forest, it is better to bypass it, remembering that the species is listed in the Red Book and is on the verge of extinction.
