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The fiery flake is a member of the Strophariyev family. Its bright coloration makes it look very original. Thanks to her, the mushroom got its name. In the people it is called royal honey agaric, foliot, willow. And in Latin it is called Pholiota flammans.
What does a fire flake look like?
Flake fire is classified as a section of agaric mushrooms. Its spores are located precisely in the plates. They are narrow, tightly pressed to the leg. The color of the plates in young mushrooms is orange-gold. Subsequently, it changes to a dirty red.
Cap Description
The fiery flake boasts the royal size of a bright hat. Its dimensions can reach 17 cm in diameter. But often they do not exceed 8–9 cm. Young mushrooms are distinguished by the fact that the hat is shaped like a bell. Over time, it becomes flatter, prostrate.
The color of the caps varies from yellowish to gray-golden. They all have reddish scales evenly distributed over the dry surface. The scales are twisted up, bristly. They fold into a concentric pattern. Delicate, bitter in taste, with a pungent odor, the flesh has a lighter yellowish tint. On the cut, its color does not change.
Description of the leg
The leg of the fiery flake is cylindrical, dense, solid, without voids, yellow or light brown. As the name implies, it is covered with small scales. Their shade is slightly darker than the main tone. In length, the leg can grow up to 10 cm. And its thickness does not exceed 1,5 cm.
In young mushrooms, the stem is surrounded by a fibrous scaly ring, located not too high. Above it, the leg remains smooth, and below the ring – rough. Over time, it disappears. Flesh brown.
Edible Flame Flake
Scales are classified as inedible. But, like other representatives of the Strophariyev family, it does not contain poisonous or toxic substances. Differs in bitter taste, an unpleasant pungent smell. For this reason, it is not eaten, although it is not formally poisonous.
Where and how to grow
The most characteristic places of distribution of fiery flake are mixed and coniferous forests. She prefers stumps, deadwood conifers, especially firs. It can grow alone or in small groups.
The habitat of Pholiota flammans is limited to the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere of the Earth. It is found in the forests of Europe, in the Urals and Karelia, in the central part of Our Country, in Siberia and the Far East.
The fiery flake ripens from mid-July. You can collect it until the end of September.
Twins and their differences
The fungus has no twins. Most often, inexperienced mushroom pickers confuse it with other scales: golden, ordinary. Their appearance is similar, and the taste is practically the same.
Conclusion
Fire flake is an outwardly spectacular fungus of the Strophariaceae family, quite rarely found in forests. It does not contain poisons. However, experts warn: it is not recommended to eat it.
