Content
Peziza varia is an interesting lamellar mushroom that is part of the genus and family Peziza varia. It belongs to the class of discomycetes, marsupial fungi and is a relative of stitches and morels. Previously, mycologists distinguished it as a separate species. Recent studies at the molecular level have proven that the species of pecia, which were considered separate, can be classified as one large genus.
What does a changeable dog look like?
The fruiting bodies are cup-shaped and do not have the usual caps. A young Arctic Fox takes the form of a spherical cognac glass slightly opened at the top. As it grows, the edges straighten, taking on a funnel-shaped and then a saucer shape with a pronounced depression at the place of growth and sides twisted inward.
The edges are uneven, wavy, slightly torn, jagged. There are chaotically located folds. The surface is smooth, shiny-wet, like varnish.The color is even, without changes, the color of coffee with milk, slightly greenish or brownish tints. It can be cream and golden red. The outer surface is matte, with tiny hairs or scales, light, white-gray or yellowish. It can grow up to 15 cm. Its usual size is 4-8 cm.
The leg is missing. Some specimens have a small pseudopod. Spore powder is pure white. The pulp is gray or brown, with five to seven distinct layers.
Where and how does it grow
The variable petitsa loves rotten, half-rotten wood, soils saturated with forest waste, or old fires. The mycelium begins to bear fruit in the spring, when the weather is quite warm and the snow melts, it even received the name snowdrop mushroom. They continue to grow until October frosts, and in the southern regions even until persistent frosts.
It is found quite often, in small, closely planted groups, in forests, gardens and parks. Distributed in the Krasnodar region and throughout Russia. It can also be seen throughout Europe and North America.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
There is no exact data on the toxicity or edibility of this type of mushroom. The fruit body has an unsightly appearance, thin rubbery pulp, which is tasteless and devoid of any smell. The culinary value tends to zero, so the mushroom is considered inedible.
Doubles and their differences
The Variable Pets is extremely similar to the fruiting bodies of varieties of its own family. Their differences are minimal and almost invisible to the naked eye.Fortunately, no poisonous counterparts were found in the mushroom.
Petsica ampliata (extended). Inedible. Contains no toxic substances. As it grows, it acquires a pie-shaped, diagonally elongated shape and, as if smoked, brown-black edges. The color of the outer side is brownish-sand.
Pezitsa Arvernensis (Auvergian). Non-toxic, inedible due to low nutritional value. It has a darker color of the surface and pulp, the edges are smoother. A rudimentary pseudopod can often be observed. The pulp is brittle, without pronounced layers.
Repanda repanda (blooming). Classified as inedible mushrooms due to their thin, tasteless pulp. The edges of the bowl are not rolled up and have a more elongated shape, which is why they received the nickname “donkey ears.”
Petsica micropus (small-footed). Inedible due to low nutritional value. The pulp is brittle, slightly laminated. Its main difference from the Variable Arctic Fox is its pronounced pseudopod and small size, 1.5-6 cm in diameter.
Badia dog (brown). Non-poisonous, inedible. The fruit bodies are rich brown and dark chocolate in color and grow up to 16-18 cm.
Petsitsa is changeable also has a great resemblance to the fruiting bodies of the Tarzetta genus (barrel-shaped, cup-shaped and others). They are distinguished by a pronounced pseudopod, light color on the outside and miniature sizes, from 10 to 30 mm. Inedible due to their small size and low nutritional value.
Conclusion
The Variable Petsica grows in forests on fallen trees and old stumps. It is found in gardens, parks and fields, on half-rotted sawdust, and in dead wood. Feels great in soil rich in woody humus.It has an original cup-shaped shape. Its entire internal surface is a spore-bearing layer, the external one is sterile. The mushroom can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in small groups from May to October. It has no nutritional value due to its thin, tasteless pulp; there is no exact information about the toxins or poisons it contains.
