Cystoderma scaly (Umbrella scaly): photo and description

Cystoderma scaly is a lamellar edible mushroom from the Champignon family. Due to its similarity with grebes, almost no one collects it. However, this rare mushroom is useful to know, and if there are few others, then such a specimen can be replenished with a basket.

What does cystoderm scaly look like?

Odorant cystoderm or scaly umbrella (these are other names for the fungus) has light flesh with a slight taste of wood. Consists of a cap and a leg. On the back of the cap, frequent plates of cream or light brown color are visible. Reproduces by white spores.

Cap Description

The evolution of the cap of squamous cystoderm occurs as follows: cone-shaped (hemispherical) in youth, it becomes curved outward with a median tubercle at a mature age up to 6 cm in diameter. The color is yellowish or gray-pink, but fades to white over time. The dry matte surface is covered with a white fine-grained powder of maturing spores. On the edges of the cap, a fringe is visible in the form of hanging flakes.

Cystoderma scaly (Umbrella scaly): photo and description

Description of the leg

The hollow inside leg of cystoderm scaly has a height of 3-5 cm and a diameter of up to 5 mm. Divided by a ring with a lapel into two halves: the upper one is light and smooth, the lower one is pimply.

Cystoderma scaly (Umbrella scaly): photo and description

Is the mushroom edible or not?

Doesn’t have quality taste. According to nutritional value, it belongs to category 4. Can be used to make soups and other dishes. It is recommended to boil for at least 15 minutes. The decoction is drained.

Where and how to grow

Cystoderma grows on the ground in moss or on fallen leaves and needles in mixed pine and coniferous forests. Prefers chalky soils. Distributed mainly in North America, Central Asia, Europe. In Our Country – a rare mushroom. There are single specimens and group shoots. The growing period is the second half of August and November.

Twins and their differences

There are several types of this family:

  1. Cystoderma amianthus. Conditionally edible. It has a more brown color, watery pulp. The leg does not have a ring.

    Cystoderma scaly (Umbrella scaly): photo and description

  2. The cystoderm is red. It is distinguished by a reddish or orange tint, a larger hat and a thick stem. Has a mushroom smell. Edible. Needs to be boiled.

    Cystoderma scaly (Umbrella scaly): photo and description

    Important! Before collecting, you must study the distinguishing features or upload a photo to your phone so as not to be confused with a poisonous mushroom.
  1. Death cap. Poisonous. Differences: a taller and thicker stem grows from an ovoid white Volvo. The skirt ring with fringe on the leg is directed downwards.

    Cystoderma scaly (Umbrella scaly): photo and description

Conclusion

Cystoderma scaly – a fungus from the category of exotic. Therefore, it is better for novice mushroom pickers not to risk picking them. Only an experienced silent hunter can be sure that he took the “correct” specimen.

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