Content
The giant stitch (gigantic stitch, large stitch) is a spring mushroom, the folded caps of which stand out in contrast against the background of the May grass. Its main feature is that during the growth process it reaches a gigantic size, which can be understood by its name. It grows solitarily, but numerous groups are also found.
What does a giant stitch look like?
The giant string belongs to the category of marsupial fungi of the Discinaceae family, therefore its spores are located in the fruiting body itself. Its appearance is eye-catching and resembles a walnut kernel. The official name is Gyromitra gigas.
Description of the cap
As you can see in the photo, the giant stitch has a shapeless folded cap, which in some places grows to the stem. When cut, there is a cavity inside. Its width varies between 7-12 cm, but in some cases there are giant specimens with a span of up to 30 cm.
At the beginning of development, the main color of the upper surface is light brown, but as it matures it darkens and acquires an ocher color. On the reverse side there is a glossy sterile surface of a white or cream shade.
Description of the leg
The leg of the giant stitch is short and light in color. Its length ranges from 3 to 6 cm, and its width often corresponds to the diameter of the cap. Upon external examination, the massive stalk is almost invisible under the mushroom. Its consistency is fragile and brittle. The pulp does not have a characteristic mushroom smell.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
This species belongs to the category of conditionally edible. There is no official information that giant string can be eaten. There is an opinion that it contains the toxin gyromitrin, which in small doses does not cause rapid poisoning, but when accumulated in the body provokes serious complications. At the same time, drying and boiling are not able to remove the toxin and its derivatives from the fungus.
Symptoms of poisoning, first aid
When consumed, signs of intoxication of the body may appear after 6-10 hours. In this case, the person’s well-being sharply worsens, and the symptoms only intensify.
Warning signs:
- nausea turning into vomiting;
- pain in the stomach;
- headache;
- bowel disorder.
If unpleasant symptoms appear, you cannot hesitate; you need to call an ambulance. While waiting for the doctor, it is worth inducing vomiting with a salt solution (1 tbsp per 1 tbsp.water) or potassium permanganate (pink liquid). After this, drink activated carbon in the proportion of 1-2 tablets for every 10 kg of weight, washing down the medicine with a sufficient amount of water (at least 250 ml).
Further treatment should take place in a hospital.
The healing properties of gigantic stitch
Giant stitch is widely used in folk medicine, as it has an analgesic effect that relieves pain. At the same time, products based on it can only be used externally.
Purpose:
- heel spur;
- rheumatism;
- polyarthritis;
- osteochondrosis;
- radiculitis.
Where and how does it grow
Active growth of the giant line occurs at the end of April and continues until the beginning of June. It is found in mixed forests under the canopy of birch trees or near fallen stumps and trunks. Prefers sandy and clay soils. On the edges of the forest, which are well warmed by the sun, you can find group plantings of this species.
In Russia, the giant stitch can be found in Kalmykia, as well as in the Rostov, Saratov and Volgograd regions.
Doubles and their differences
In terms of external features, this species is similar to the curly lobe. The difference between the latter is that it can be found in the autumn - from late August to mid-October. The color of the cap ranges from light brown to pale ocher. The mushroom is considered conditionally edible, but requires heat treatment.
The giant stitch also has similarities with another species of the Discinaceae family - the common stitch (Gyromitra esculenta). The characteristic difference of the double is the dark brown color of the cap, and the size of the fruiting body is much smaller. This species belongs to the category of deadly poisonous, as it contains gyromitrin.
Conclusion
The giant line, according to experts, does not pose a mortal danger to human health in small doses. But with the accumulation of toxins in the body, it can cause death. In many countries it is classified as a poisonous species, so the risk should not be underestimated.
