Content
The crowned star is a mushroom with a fantastic, whimsical appearance. It resembles a holly flower with a large fruit at the core.
What does a crowned star look like?
It has a cap with a diameter of up to 7 cm, which is divided into 7-8 sectors. The blades of the cap bend downwards. The fruiting body rises above the surface of the earth and the mycelium. The spore sac is whitish, oval, raised on a small stalk. The spores also have a brownish color and small warts on the surface, oval in shape and about 3-5 mm in size. The color of the crowned starwort varies from cream to light brown. The surface is rough and dry in appearance.
Crowned star - appearance
Where and how does it grow
The main distribution area is the northern part of the Caucasus Mountains, forests of central Russia with clay soil.
It bears fruit from early autumn to mid-autumn, so the time of active growth is September and October.
The growth of this species is characterized by proximity to deciduous trees.
Mushrooms grow singly or in groups in dense bushes in park areas and gardens.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The crowned star mushroom belongs to the category of conditionally edible mushrooms, therefore, in order to use it in food, it is necessary to follow a number of rules. The sources barely mention consumption. Maybe. That this specimen contains toxic substances, which can cause poisoning. In rare cases, dangerous consequences may occur in the form of effects on the nervous system and digestive tract.
Also, the inability to consume the crowned star is characterized by its gastronomic properties. The taste is specific - pronounced bitterness and a muddy taste make it unsuitable for consumption.
Doubles and their differences
Despite its specific appearance, the crowned star is not the only representative of the fungal kingdom with this form of fruiting body.
The main double is the triple geastrum. This mushroom comes from the same genus and is inedible. In appearance it also resembles a flower with a large ball in the middle. However, it differs in color from the crowned star - the core is almost black, and the blades have a brown undertone. Geographically, triple geastrum also has a different habitat - its growth is characterized by the presence of coniferous trees.Often grows deep in needles.
This specimen has a rather unusual shape.
Conclusion
The crowned starwort has an unusual appearance. Its collection is a rather impractical activity, since consumption is impossible. It is a conditionally edible representative of the mushroom kingdom. But admiring the appearance of a mushroom, which is more like a fairy-tale flower, is an interesting activity that can captivate not only children, but also adults. This specimen can be found in deciduous forests, near trees and bushes.
