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For the first time we learned about Lepiota cristata in 1788 from the descriptions of the English scientist and naturalist James Bolton. He identified it as Agaricus cristatus. Lepiota combinata is classified in modern encyclopedias as the fruiting body of the Champignonaceae family, genus Combaceae.
What do Lepiotis cristata look like?
Lepiota has other names. People call it an umbrella, as it is very similar to umbrella mushrooms, or silverfish. The last name appeared because of the plates on the cap that look like scales.
Description of the cap
This is a small mushroom 4-8 cm high. The cap is 3-5 cm in diameter. It is white, in young mushrooms it is convex, resembling a dome. Then the cap takes on the shape of an umbrella and becomes concave-flat. In the middle there is a brown tubercle, from which brownish-white scales diverge in the form of a comb. That's why they call lepiota comb. The flesh is white and crumbles easily, with the edges turning pinkish-red.
Description of the leg
The leg grows up to 8 cm. The thickness reaches up to 8 mm. It has the shape of a hollow white cylinder, often pinkish in color. The leg thickens slightly towards the base. Like all umbrellas, there is a ring on the stem, but this disappears as it matures.
Where do Lepiota combata grow?
Lepiota comb is one of the most common species. It grows in the Northern Hemisphere, namely in its temperate latitudes: in mixed and deciduous forests, meadows, even in vegetable gardens. Often found in North America, Europe, Russia. Grows from June to September. It reproduces by small whitish spores.
Is it possible to eat lepiots comb?
Comb umbrellas are inedible lepiots. This is also evidenced by the unpleasant smell that comes from them and is somewhat reminiscent of rotten garlic. Some scientists believe that they are poisonous and cause poisoning when ingested.
Similarities with other species
Lepiota comb is very similar to the following mushrooms:
- Lepiota chestnut. Unlike the combed one, it has scales that are red and then chestnut in color. As they mature, they appear on the stem.
- White grebe causes poisoning, often leading to death. Mushroom pickers should be deterred by the unpleasant smell of bleach.
- Lepiota white, which also causes poisoning.It is slightly larger than the comb umbrella: the cap size reaches 13 cm, the leg grows up to 12 cm. The scales are sparsely spaced, but also have a brown tint. Below the ring the leg is darker.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning
Knowing the poisonous types of fruiting bodies, it will be easier to identify edible mushrooms, among which there are umbrellas. But if a poisonous specimen of the mushroom gets into food, the following symptoms appear:
- severe headaches;
- dizziness and weakness;
- heat;
- abdominal pain;
- stomach upsets;
- nausea and vomiting.
With severe intoxication, the following may appear:
- hallucinations;
- drowsiness;
- increased sweating;
- hard breath;
- heart rhythm disturbance.
If a person experiences at least one of these symptoms after eating mushrooms, it can be determined that he has been poisoned.
First aid for poisoning
The appearance of the first signs of mushroom poisoning is a reason to call an ambulance. But before the ambulance arrives, you need to provide first aid to the patient:
- If the patient vomits, you need to give a lot of water or potassium permanganate solution. The liquid removes toxins from the body.
- If there is a chill, cover the patient with a blanket.
- You can use drugs that remove poisons: Smecta or activated carbon.
In case of mild intoxication, first aid is sufficient, but to avoid severe consequences, you should contact a clinic.
Conclusion
Lepiota comb is an inedible mushroom.Although the degree of its toxicity has not yet been fully studied, it is better to avoid this fruiting body.
