Content
Stringweed, also called pointed or pointed, is one of the most unusual spring mushrooms. It belongs to the family Discinaceae, genus Gyromitra.
What does a bunch stitch look like?
The stitches got their name from the unusual shape of the cap, reminiscent of strings of threads in a ball of yarn. This species was named pointed because of its angular, folded cap, as if folded in the shape of a house with several peaks.
Description of the cap
The bunch stitch has an unusual and very remarkable cap, the height of which can vary from 4 to 10 cm, and the width - 12-15 cm. Some sources even indicate that this is not a growth limit, and the mushroom can reach larger sizes.
The surface of the cap is coarsely wavy, folded and consists of several plates curved upward and forming 2-4 lobes that are folded unevenly. Their sharp corners are directed towards the sky, and the lower edges lean against the stem.
The inside of the cap is hollow and white. And on the outside of a young specimen it can be from yellow-orange to red-brown. As it grows, the color darkens.
Description of the leg
The leg of the beam stitch has a cylindrical shape, expanding downward, with ribbed longitudinal projections. It is inconspicuous, short and thick, often rudimentary, reaching only 3 cm in height and 2-5 cm in diameter. The color is white, but black inclusions are visible at the base; they appear due to accumulated soil in the folds of the stem. It is the remains of the soil that distinguish this representative from its close relatives.
The flesh of the leg is fragile, in the cap it is thin and watery. When cut, the color can range from white to pinkish. The smell is faint, mushroom.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The bunch stitch belongs to the group of conditionally edible ones. But according to various sources, there is conflicting information about the suitability of this mushroom for food. Some indicate that this species is toxic and can cause poisoning. In others, on the contrary, it is written that the mushroom is suitable for consumption after boiling.
Where and how does it grow
The most common stitch is the bunch stitch in Europe. It grows in deciduous forests and clearings, usually singly or in small groups. It prefers carbonate soils and is often found on the site of rotting stumps.
Fruiting begins in March, with peak growth occurring in April-May.
Doubles and their differences
Due to its unusual appearance, the bunch stitch can only be confused with such mushrooms as:
- giant stitch - conditionally edible, characterized by a larger size and a light-colored cap,
- autumn stitch - differs in the fruiting period, which occurs in July-August, and it is also more toxic, inedible and deadly poisonous when fresh.
Conclusion
The bunch stitch is an early spring representative of the mushroom kingdom, which opens a new season for mushroom pickers. But you should not collect full baskets, as you should be careful when preparing this species. Otherwise, using pointed stitches may lead to poisoning.
