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Rare mushrooms that grow in the steppes and deserts of Asia are tabular champignons. The Latin name of the species is Agaricus tabularis. On the European continent they are found only in the steppes of Ukraine.
What does a tabular champignon look like?
This is a small, round mushroom, the fruiting body of which is 90% cap. Its diameter ranges from 5 to 20 cm, depending on the degree of maturity of the mushroom. In young specimens the cap is round, later becoming flat-convex. Its surface is uneven, covered with gray crusts and scales. As it matures, it cracks and is distributed into pyramidal cells. Its color is light gray or dirty white. The edge of the cap is wavy, tucked in, and over time it becomes prostrate, retaining the remains of the coverlet.
The cap is thick, fleshy, spherical in shape
The pulp is dense, whitish, and turns yellow when pressed. May become slightly pink with age. Dried yellow tabular champignon.
The leg is smooth, wide, dense, cylindrical in shape, attached to the center of the cap, tapering slightly towards the bottom. Its entire surface and interior are white. The length of the leg does not exceed 7 cm, the diameter is 3 cm. The surface is velvety, fibrous. The thick apical ring on the stalk is initially smooth, later becoming fibrous or drooping.
The plates of the tabular champignon are narrow, of medium frequency, at first creamy-white, becoming brown or black at full maturity. They usually do not grow to the stem. In young mushrooms, the lamellar layer is hidden under a thin blanket in the form of a white film.
Where does the tabular champignon grow?
This rare species is found in the arid semi-deserts of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. In Europe, it grows only in the steppe zone of Ukraine (Donetsk, Kherson regions), in the reserves: Askania-Nova, Streltsovskaya steppe, Khomutovskaya steppe. The mushroom is listed in the Red Book. You can find the tabular champignon in North America, in the prairies of Colorado and in the desert of Arizona.
The species bears fruit from June to October and prefers dry, sunny meadows. The mycelium is located in the upper soil layers.
Is it possible to eat tabular champignon?
In Russia, the tabular champignon is practically not found; rare specimens can be found in the Crimea. The mushroom is supposedly considered edible, but due to its scarcity, there is no confirmed data on its safety.
False doubles
The tabular champignon has several inedible counterparts.It is important to study their descriptions so as not to make a mistake with your choice.
The red champignon (yellow-skinned pepper) is a poisonous mushroom, similar to many other representatives of the species. Poisoning with it leads to serious consequences.
Its distribution area is extensive - it is found almost all over the world. Grows in forests, on lawns, and in grassy clearings. The mushroom bears fruit especially abundantly after rain in late summer or early autumn.
The pecheritsa has a more spread-out cap, with a gray spot in the center. When pressed it turns yellow. In old mushrooms, the stem at the base darkens.
Red champignon - a larger specimen than the tabular one
You can distinguish it from the tabular champignon by the ring, which is located almost in the center of the leg. It is fleshy, two-layered, wide, and white.
During thermal exposure, the yellow-skinned pechertsa emits an unpleasant chemical odor.
The flat-headed champignon is a poisonous mushroom, the size of which is smaller than the rare fellow described. The diameter of the double's cap does not exceed 9 cm. In young specimens it is bell-shaped, with age it becomes prostrate, but a noticeable dark-colored bulge remains in the center.
The surface of the cap is cream or gray, the scales are small and poorly defined
The flat-headed champignon grows in deciduous or mixed forests. You can also find it on pastures in thick grass.
An important difference: the leg of the poisonous twin does not narrow downwards, but expands, and has a tuberous growth at the end. In the upper third of the stalk there is a noticeable, white ring.
When pressed, the pulp emits an unpleasant chemical odor; it is compared to a pharmaceutical odor.
Rules for collection and use
You can find tabular champignons in the vastness of semi-deserts or virgin steppes. The white fruiting body of the mushroom is clearly visible among the yellowing grass. The mushroom grows singly or in small groups. It is carefully cut off or unscrewed from the mycelium.
Since there is no data on the safety of the described species for human health, preparing it for consumption is not recommended.
Conclusion
The tabular champignon is a rare representative of the Champignon family. In some countries it is listed in the Red Book, since it is practically not found on the European continent. The tabular mushroom can be found more often in Central Asia, in the deserts and semi-deserts of Kazakhstan. The extinction of the species is associated with the plowing of virgin steppes for grazing and burning of grass.
