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Omphalina cinder is a representative of the Tricholomyaceae family. The Latin name is omphalina maura. This species has several synonyms: fajodia charcoal and myxomphaly cinder. All these names in one way or another indicate the unusual place of growth of this specimen.
Description of omphalina cinder
This species prefers mineral-rich, moist soil or burnt soil.
The fruiting body of Omphalina cinder is quite unique due to its dark color. The pulp is thin, has a light mealy aroma, the taste is not pronounced.
Description of the cap
Grows singly or in groups in open areas
At the initial stage of development, the cap is convex in shape with the edges turned inward and a slightly compressed center. Mature specimens are distinguished by a funnel-shaped, deeply depressed cap with uneven and wavy edges. Its size reaches about 5 cm in diameter.The surface of the cap of Omphalina cinder is hygrophanic, radially striped, smooth and dry; during the rainy season it becomes sticky, and in drying specimens it becomes shiny and grayish in tone.
The skin from the cap of Omphalina cinder is removed quite easily. The cap is thin-fleshy, its color varies from olive-brown to dark brown. Under the cap there are frequent plates running down to the stem. They are painted in white or beige shades, less often – yellowish. The spores are ellipsoid, smooth and transparent.
Description of the leg
Omphalina grows throughout the summer and in the first half of autumn
The leg of Omphalina cinder is cylindrical, hollow, reaches a length of no more than 4 cm, and a thickness of up to 2.5 mm in diameter. As a rule, its color matches the color of the cap, but at the base it can be several tones darker. The surface is longitudinally ribbed or smooth.
Where and how does it grow
The favorable time for omphalina cinder is the period from June to September. It prefers to grow in coniferous forests, and is also quite often found in open areas, for example, in gardens or meadows, as well as among old fire pits. Fruits individually or in small groups. Quite widespread in Russia, as well as in Western Europe and North Africa.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
This species belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. Despite the fact that cinder omphalina does not contain toxic substances, it is not suitable for food.
Doubles and their differences
This species has no poisonous counterparts
Omphalina cinder is similar in appearance to some forest gifts:
- Omphalina goblet - belongs to the group of inedible mushrooms. The doppelganger's cap is funnel-shaped with a depressed central part, colored in light brown or dark brown shades. The surface is striped and smooth to the touch. The leg is thin, grayish-brown in color, the length of which is about 2 cm, and the thickness is no more than 3 mm in diameter. As a rule, it grows on deciduous and coniferous trees, which is the main difference from Omphalina cinder.
- Omphalina Hudsonis - an inedible gift of the forest. Initially, the cap is convex in shape with the edges turned inward; as it matures, it becomes funnel-shaped and is about 5 cm in diameter. It is painted in brown shades; in dry weather it fades and acquires lighter tones. Does not have a pronounced smell or taste. The leg is hollow, almost smooth, and has slight pubescence at the base. A distinctive feature from Omphalina cinder is the location of the mushrooms. Thus, the twin prefers to be located singly or in small groups among sphagnum or green mosses.
- Cinder flake – grows from May to October in coniferous forests on old fire pits. At the initial stage, the cap is convex, after a while it spreads out with a small tubercle in the center. You can distinguish a double by the color of the fruiting body. Thus, the cap of the cinder flake is colored in yellow-ocher or reddish-brown shades. The leg is the same color as the cap, but at the base it may be a couple of shades darker. Along its entire length there are light scales that form a zigzag pattern. Due to its hard flesh, it is not suitable for food.
Conclusion
Omphalina cinder is a rather interesting specimen, which differs from its relatives in the dark color of the fruiting bodies. But this gift of the forest does not carry any nutritional value, and therefore is not recommended to be collected. Despite the fact that no toxic substances have been identified in Omphalina cinder, due to the thin pulp and small size of the fruiting bodies, this specimen is not suitable for food.
