Content
Sulfolia grooved is an inedible representative of the Proliporaceae family. This species is a single specimen of the Heliocybe genus. The fungus is a saprophyte, located on dead wood or rotten wood. The species is considered rare, therefore in some regions of Russia it is listed in the Red Book.
What does grooved sawfoil look like?
Sulfolia grooved is difficult to confuse with other representatives of the mushroom kingdom. Since it has an unforgettable appearance, it is impossible to pass by. To recognize it, you need to look at the photo and get acquainted with the external data.
Description of the cap
The cap is small, reaching 4 cm in diameter.In young specimens it has a convex shape, and as it grows it gradually straightens, leaving a small dent in the center. The surface is covered with orange or ocher-brown skin. With age, the edges become discolored and turn light yellow. The skin is dry, slightly rough to the touch, covered with a scaly pattern.
The lower layer is formed by dense, whitish plates. In adult specimens they are dark and the edges become jagged or saw-toothed. The snow-white or coffee pulp is dense, fleshy, and does not change color when damaged. Reproduction occurs by elongated spores, which are found in snow-white powder.
Description of the leg
The cylindrical stem reaches a height of 3 to 15 cm, the size depends on the place of growth. The surface is covered with dirty gray or cream skin, with numerous brown scales visible at the base. The pulp is hard and fibrous.
Where and how does it grow
This specimen prefers to grow on woody substrate, dead wood, and rotting deciduous wood. Sometimes the species can be found on conifers and living trees; it causes brown rot on them. Sawgrass can grow on damp, damaged trees and on dry, recycled boards.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The fruiting body has not been fully studied, but due to the lack of taste and smell, the species is considered inedible. Therefore, in order not to harm your health, you need to pass by unfamiliar specimens.
Doubles and their differences
Due to its unusual external characteristics, grooved sawfoil is difficult to confuse with other species. But in the Piloporov family there are edible brothers:
- brindle - a conditionally edible forest dweller that grows on rotten wood. You can recognize it by its light gray cap with dark brown scales and a slightly curved cylindrical stem. The pulp is tasteless and odorless.
- Scaly – this specimen belongs to the 4th group of edibility. Grows on dry, rotten deciduous wood. The pulp is fleshy, with a pronounced mushroom taste and smell. The mushroom can often be found on telegraph poles and sleepers. But if this representative is used for preparing dishes, you must remember that mushroom picking should be carried out in environmentally friendly places, away from highways and railway tracks.
Interesting facts about grooved sawfoil
In the scientific literature you can find interesting facts about sawfoil. Such as:
- The fruit body never rots.
- With age, the mushroom does not rot, but dries out.
- A dried mushroom can recover and continue to develop when humidity rises.
- In some regions of Russia, this specimen is listed in the Red Book.
- The pattern on the cap resembles a sun with rays, so the mushroom is very difficult to confuse with other forest inhabitants.
Conclusion
Grooved sawfoil is an inedible forest inhabitant that grows on dry and living trees from May until the first frost. Thanks to its beautiful pattern, the mushroom is very popular among mushroom pickers and photographers. Therefore, when meeting him, it is better not to touch him and pass by after the photo shoot.
