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A giant line (a gigantic line, a large line) is a spring mushroom, the folded caps of which stand out in contrast against the background of the May grass. Its main feature is considered to be that in the process of growth it reaches a gigantic size, which can be understood by its name. It grows singly, but there are also numerous groups.
What does a giant line look like?
The giant line belongs to the category of marsupial fungi of the Discinaceae family, therefore its spores are located in the fruiting body itself. Its appearance attracts the eye, and resembles a walnut kernel. The official name is Gyromitra gigas.
Cap Description
As you can see in the photo, the line of the giant has a shapeless folded hat, which in some places grows to the leg. 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 – a glossy sterile surface of white or cream shade.
Description of the leg
The leg at the giant line is short, light in color. Its length ranges from 3 to 6 cm, and the width often corresponds to the diameter of the cap. During external examination, the massive leg is almost not visible under the mushroom. Its texture is fragile, 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 the giant line 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 used, signs of intoxication of the body may appear after 6-10 hours. At the same time, the person’s health deteriorates sharply, and the symptoms only intensify.
Warning signs:
- nausea turning into vomiting;
- pain in the stomach;
- headache;
- upset stool.
When unpleasant symptoms appear, you can not hesitate, you need to call an ambulance. While waiting for the doctor, it is worth provoking vomiting with a solution of salt (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon of water) or potassium permanganate (pink liquid). After that, drink activated charcoal in the proportion of 1-2 tablets for every 10 kg of weight, drinking the medicine with a sufficient amount of water (at least 250 ml).
Further treatment must take place in the hospital.
The healing properties of the gigantic line
The giant line is widely used in folk medicine, as it has an analgesic effect that allows you to relieve pain. At the same time, it is possible to use funds based on it only externally.
Purpose:
- heel spur;
- rheumatism;
- polyarthritis;
- osteochondrosis;
- radiculitis.
Where and how to grow
The active growth of the giant line falls on the end of April and continues until the beginning of June. It is found in mixed forests under the canopy of birches or near fallen stumps and trunks. Prefers sandy and clay soils. On the edges, which are well warmed by the sun, you can find group plantings of this species.
In Our Country, a giant line can be found in Kalmykia, as well as in the Rostov, Saratov and Volgograd regions.
Twins and their differences
By external signs, this species is similar to the curly lobe. The difference of the latter is that it can be found in the autumn period – from the end of August to mid-October. The color of the cap is from light brown to pale ocher. The mushroom is considered conditionally edible, but requires heat treatment.
The giant line also resembles another species of the Discinaceae family – the common line (Gyromitra esculenta). A characteristic difference between the double is the dark brown color of the cap, and the size of the fruiting body is much smaller. This species is classified as deadly poisonous, as it contains gyromitrin.
Conclusion
A 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 provoke death. In many countries, it is classified as a poisonous species, so the risk should not be underestimated.
