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Hebeloma root (Hebeloma radicosum) is a representative of the genus Hebeloma of the Strophariaceae family. Also, the fungus is popularly known as Hebeloma root, rooting and rooted. It is considered one of the most beautiful representatives of the mushroom world. It got its name because of the long root, the dimensions of which are sometimes equal to half the length of the stem. This characteristic makes it easily recognizable even for inexperienced mushroom pickers.
The mushroom has a long root
What does root hebeloma look like?
Hebeloma root is a large fleshy mushroom. The hat is large, about 7-15 cm in diameter. Covered with non-peeling reddish-brown scales. The characteristic convex shape of the cap does not change as the fungus grows and persists until the most mature age. The color is gray-brown, in the center a darker tone, the edges are slightly lighter. Against the background of scales, the color of which is much darker than the main color of the cap, the mushroom looks “pockmarked”.
The surface of the cap is mostly slippery. It dries a little in the dry season, leaving only a glossy sheen. In young specimens, the remains of a bedspread may hang down along the edges of the cap. The pulp is white, thick, dense, fleshy, with a pronounced bitter taste and a rather strong almond aroma.
The hymenophore plates are frequent, thin, free or half-grown. Light gray at a young age, brown-clay at an old age. Spores are medium in size, oval in shape, with a folded surface. The color of the powder is yellow-brown.
The leg of the root hebeloma is quite long – 10-20 cm, expanding towards the base. Light gray in color, with dark scales that descend to the base as they grow.
The leg is often twisted, resembling a spindle
Where does root hebeloma grow
Hebeloma root is mainly common in northern temperate regions, but is quite rare. It grows in a variety of forest plantations, deciduous or mixed. Grows everywhere in large conspicuous groups. They form mycorrhiza with hardwood trees. Very often, a rooting hebeloma chooses for itself places with a damaged topsoil – pits, ditches, edges of roads and paths, areas near rodent burrows.
Fruiting lasts from August to October and stops with the first temperature changes. The appearance of mushrooms depends on weather conditions. Sometimes they may even have no mushroom season at all.
Is it possible to eat hebeloma root
Hebeloma root belongs to the category of conditionally edible mushrooms, of little culinary value. Belongs to the 4th category of nutritional value. The pulp has a specific smell and a rather bitter taste. It is impossible to get rid of bitterness with any method of processing, so the mushroom is often not eaten.
Conclusion
Hebeloma root – a fungus that is outwardly attractive, but with very low taste, which makes it inedible. The characteristic root process is a distinguishing feature that makes it quite easy to recognize hebeloma rhizomatous. Without full confidence, you should not collect and eat a mushroom. All other outwardly similar hebelomas are poisonous and can lead to poisoning.