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Royal catatelasma (Catathelasma imperiale) is a rare mushroom. Unfortunately, it does not grow in forests. The royal mushroom is not always found even in the Alps.
It has a fairly extensive synonymous range, which includes not only biological, but also folk names:
- imperial champignon;
- victim;
- Carpathian truffle;
- a goatherd;
- coniferous pie.
Finding such a mushroom is a real success.
Where the royal catatelasma grows
The fruiting bodies belong to the Catatelasma family. The place of growth are some countries of Europe and North America. Very rare in the south of Crimea. Prefers pine forests. They can grow singly or in small groups.
What does imperial catatelasma look like?
Mushrooms with an interesting name belong to the hat-legged ones. The description below indicates the features of each part of the catatelasma.
head
Young mushrooms are distinguished by a hemispherical shape, with thick edges wrapped inward. The edge unfolds, and the hat itself straightens, becomes prostrate, reminiscent of the shape of a pillow. The size is truly royal, grows up to 40 cm in diameter.
The surface of the cap is olive, chestnut, red-brown or brown. In young fruiting bodies – with mucus, as it grows it becomes dry. Old catatelasmas can be distinguished by cracks.
Along the edges of the cap, you can see white scales that remain after tearing the bedspread.
spore layer
The plates are initially covered with a thick veil, which creates conditions for the maturation of ellipsoid spores. When it breaks, a ring is left on the stem. The plates are placed close to each other. With their wide bases, they not only grow to the leg, but also run down it a little.
Spore powder white
The spore-bearing layer is white or slightly yellowish in young royal catatelasmas, and becomes brown in old fruiting bodies.
Leg
The leg is medium in size, in height – from 5 to 15 cm, diameter – an average of 8 cm. It narrows closer to the base. Near the hat is a double ring left from the bedspread.
The upper part of the leg is white, under the ring it is darker
Pulp
Royal catatelasma is famous for its special floury taste and aroma. The upper part of the cap of the royal catatelasma is granular, in old specimens it is covered with brown spots.
The pulp is white or grayish in color, very dense, boils down a little
Is it possible to eat imperial champignon
Royal catatelasma is an edible mushroom. It has excellent nutritional and culinary qualities, the application is universal. Fruits can:
- fry;
- cook;
- dry;
- marinate.
False doubles
It is impossible to say that the twins of the royal catatelasma are false. The fact is that similar species are either edible or conditionally edible.
Row violet
This counterpart of catatelasma regalis is edible. Grows in mixed or coniferous forests in rows, circles or separate small groups. It got its name for the aroma of flowers, so it cannot be confused with anyone.
Ryadovka has a large hat – up to 15 cm. In young specimens, it is purple, then turns pale. Light purple legs. Valued for its fleshy and firm flesh, it can become watery during rains.
Fruiting begins in September, the collection continues until October.
It has a dense pulp, but not everyone likes it, since the fibers are somewhat harsh
Rowing purple
This twin of royal catatelasma is often found in pine forests or mixed forests. Fruiting begins in autumn. The last copies can be collected even in November in the Southern regions. The species is classified as conditionally edible.
Purple row can be salted, fried, marinated, dried
Rowing Gray
Large fruiting bodies are suitable for eating. You need to collect young mushrooms, as in aging specimens the hat becomes rotten. Grayish pulp with taste and aroma of flour.
You need to look for fruiting bodies in places where there is a lot of moss.
Appointment of rowing gray universal
Rules for collection and use
You need to collect catatelasma with a sharp knife. Then clean from needles, grass and earth, wash thoroughly. Catatelasma is added to soups, side dishes, and baking fillings.
Conclusion
Royal catatelasma is a tasty mushroom, but not many people manage to taste it. Not only are they found in a limited area, they are also listed in the Red Book.
