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Volvariella silky gets its name from the volva in which the mushroom is enclosed before ripening. Over time, the peculiar shell breaks and forms a sac-like blanket at the base of the leg. This specimen also has another name - Volvariella bombicina. Belongs to the Pluteaceae family. It is considered one of the most beautiful mushrooms growing on wood. Below is complete information about this species of the genus Volvariella.
What does Volvariella silky look like?
The fruiting body of this species is considered the largest of the Pluteaceae family, which can grow up to 20 cm.This specimen attracts mushroom pickers with its unusual appearance; it can be distinguished from other forest gifts thanks to the following characteristics:
- The cap of the mushroom is bell-shaped with small scales, the size of which can reach up to 20 cm in diameter. Young Volvariella silky has a plastic cap body that is white or pale pink. With age, it becomes convex, flat-spread with a protruding tubercle of a brownish-grayish hue in the center.
- On the lower part of the cap there are loose, soft plates, widened in the middle zone. Their color depends on the age of the mushroom. So, in young specimens they are white, gradually acquiring a pinkish-brown tint.
- The leg is smooth, swollen towards the base, the length reaches up to 8 cm, and the width varies from 0.3 to 0.7 cm. As a rule, it is painted white and light gray.
- The spores are ellipsoidal, pale pink, smooth.
- The volva is lobate-dissected, membranous and free. It is characterized by a dirty gray or brown color with small brown spots.
- The pulp is thin, dense, white in color. It does not have a pronounced taste or smell. 3
The development of Volvariella silky begins in a kind of egg (volva), with the growth of the fungus the cover breaks and a specimen with a bell-shaped cap is born, while the leg remains partially wrapped until the end of its existence. The old mushroom becomes wrinkled, flabby, naked, and acquires a dark brown color.
Where does Volvariella silky grow?
This species is considered quite rare, and in some regions of Russia and many countries of the world it is listed in the Red Book.Thus, this specimen is under protection in the Republic of Khakassia and in the Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk and Ryazan regions.
The main habitat is mixed forests, protected areas, natural parks; it grows well on weakened or dead deciduous trees. Prefers maple, willow, poplar. They mostly appear alone, but sometimes they form small groups. Active development is observed from July to August, however, it occurs until late autumn. It is a drought-resistant mushroom that tolerates heat well.
Is it possible to eat Volvariella silkiosa?
Volvariella silky is classified as an edible mushroom. As you know, experienced mushroom pickers do not question the use of this species; they claim that such a specimen is suitable for consumption. But before being used for food, the gifts of the forest must be processed. To do this, they are pre-cooked for about 30-40 minutes, after which the water is drained.
False doubles
Due to its unique appearance, silky Volvariella is quite difficult to confuse with other representatives of the forest. But inexperienced mushroom pickers may not be able to distinguish the specimen in question from the following representatives of the forest:
- White (smelly) fly agaric. It is worth noting that this species is poisonous, so it is very important to carefully examine the specimen and if there is doubt about its edibility, it is better not to take it.You can distinguish silky volvariella from stinking champignon thanks to the grayish “hairy” cap and pink plates. In addition, the latter has a ring on the leg, but this species does not have it. Another main difference is the location of the forest products. Volvariella silky is not found on the ground; it grows exclusively on wood, which is not typical for most mushrooms.
- Float gray - a representative of the Fly Agaric genus. It is considered a conditionally edible mushroom, but it is not particularly attractive to potential customers due to its appearance and thin pulp. Unlike Volvariella silky, this specimen is much smaller in size. Thus, the diameter of the cap varies from 5 to 10 cm, and the length of the stem is no more than 12 cm. The spore powder is white. Although this species grows in deciduous and mixed forests, like Volvariella, it is found exclusively on the ground.
Rules for collection and use
It is not recommended to pull out and twist the volvariella, since the fruiting body can simply crumble, and there is a possibility of damaging the mycelium. Therefore, experts advise carefully cutting off the stem with a knife.
As a rule, only the caps are used for food, since the legs are somewhat harsh. Before preparing the mushroom dish, the silky volvariella is cleared of debris, washed and boiled for 40 minutes. Mushroom broth is not recommended for food use.
Most mushroom pickers claim that after preliminary cooking, this species is suitable for almost any dish. Volvariella silki can be stewed, fried, boiled and pickled.
Conclusion
Volvariella silky is exclusively a tree fungus.It can be found on old and rotten stumps, logs, on the trunks of living or dry trees, even in hollows. Thanks to its unusual color and “hairy” cap, this representative of the Volvariella genus is quite easy to distinguish from its relatives.
The mushroom at the dacha is unusual and beautiful; I was afraid that it was poisonous, so I destroyed it, but left the photos. Now I see that I was wrong :). I only uploaded one photo and it doesn't work anymore.