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Crepidotus variabilis (Crepidotus variabilis) is a small tree fungus from the Volokonnitsiev family. Until the beginning of the XNUMXth century, it had other names:
- Agaricus variable;
- Claudopus variable;
- Claudopus multiformi.
This oyster mushroom-shaped fruiting body belongs to the extensive species of Crepidotes.
What do crepidotes look like
These fruiting bodies are referred to as the Cap variety with a rudimentary or completely absent stem. They are attached to the surface of the substrate with the side part or top, plates down.
The diameter of the fruiting body is from 0,3 to 3 cm, some specimens reach 4 cm. The shape is an irregular shell or a lobe with edges curved in a wave. The hat is whitish-cream or yellowish in delicate color, felt-pubescent, with a smooth edge, dry, thin, with weakly expressed fibers.
The plates are rare, large, of various lengths, converging to the point of attachment. The color is white, then darkens to grayish-brown, pinkish-sand, lilac. Covers are missing. Spore powder is green-brown, pinkish, cylindrical in shape, with thin warty walls.
Where do Crepidotes grow?
The fungus is a saprophyte. Grows on decaying woody debris: stumps, trunks of fallen trees. Prefers hardwoods. Often found in deadwood on thin twigs. It can also grow on a rotten branch or in rotten hollows of a living tree. It grows in large groups, close to each other, less often at a short distance.
The mushroom picker bears fruit throughout the warm season, from the moment the air warms up to an acceptable temperature, this is May-June, until the autumn frosts.
Is it possible to eat crepidotes changeable
The fruiting body has a tender pulp with a slightly sweet taste and an unexpressed pleasant mushroom smell. Non-toxic, no toxic substances found in the composition. It is classified as an inedible mushroom due to its small size.
How to distinguish Crepidotes mutable
The fruiting body bears a great resemblance to other members of its species. A characteristic distinguishing feature of each variety is the structure of the spores, which can only be distinguished under a microscope. Has no poisonous twins.
- unfolding (versitus). Not poisonous. It is distinguished by a white color, an even shell shape with a brown junction.
- flattened (applanatus). Not toxic. Watery, moist, the edges of the cap are bent inward, fluffy fibers are located at the place of attachment to the substrate.
- Soft (mollis). It is distinguished by a more even shape of a cap with scales, a brownish color, an edge at the junction and a very tender flesh.
Comment! Soft crepidote is classified as a conditionally edible mushroom. Little known to mushroom pickers due to its small size.
- Cezata. Non-toxic, classified as an inedible mushroom. Differs in rarer and thicker plates, light edging and slightly wavy, slightly turned inside edge.
Crepidote mutatis is also similar to the edible oyster mushroom or common oyster mushroom. The latter is distinguished by a pronounced elongated attachment to the substrate, a smooth rounded hat and larger sizes – from 5 to 20 cm.
Conclusion
Variable crepidote is a miniature saprophyte tree fungus found throughout Europe, Our Country and America. He likes shaded places, lives on the remains of representatives of the notophagus family and other hardwoods. Rarely settles on coniferous wood or deadwood. Due to its size and low nutritional value, it is classified as an inedible mushroom. Poisonous twins were not found in the fruiting body.