Juno’s hymnopil: edibility, description and photo

In the mixed forest, a large number of various mushrooms grow – both edible and inedible. The last category includes a specimen with an interesting name – the hymnopile of Juno, which is also called the prominent hymnopile. This species is a member of the Hymenogaster family, the genus Gymnopylus. It is quite widespread in Our Country, and therefore is well known to experienced mushroom pickers.

What does Juno’s hymnopil look like?

It is believed that this species destroys wood, settling on dead or living trees, as well as rotten or drying out stumps.

The fruiting body of Juno’s hymnopile is presented in the form of a stem and cap with the following characteristics:

1. The cap at the initial stage of maturation has a hemispherical shape, after a while it becomes convex-prostrate with a small tubercle located in the center. Overripe mushrooms are distinguished by an almost flat cap. In structure, it is fleshy, dense and rather thick. The surface is decorated with small scales of the same tone as the hat itself. It is painted in orange or ocher color, brown shades prevail with age. During the rainy season, it gets a little darker.
2. On the inside of the cap there are frequent plates that grow with a tooth to the stem. At a young age, they are painted yellow, with time they acquire a rusty brown tone.
3. The foot of Juno’s hymnopile is fibrous, dense, root-shaped in shape, thickened at the base. Its length varies from 4 to 20 cm, and its thickness is from 0,8 to 3 cm. It is painted brown with an orange or ocher tint. It has a dark ring with rusty spores, which, after drying, forms a brown belt.
4. In young specimens, the flesh is pale yellow, in mature mushrooms it is brown. This type is characterized by a subtle aroma of almonds.

Where the hymnopyle of Juno grows

Favorable time for fruiting is the period from mid-summer to late autumn. As a rule, the hymnopile of Juno lives in mixed forests, preferring to be located under oaks or at the base of the stumps of this type of trees. Quite widespread throughout almost the entire territory of Our Country, the only exception is the Arctic. As a rule, it grows in numerous groups, it is much less common singly.

Is it possible to eat Juno’s hymnopyles

This species is classified in the category of inedible mushrooms. Juno’s hymnopil is not used in cooking because of its bitter taste. In addition, some reference books claim that this variety of mushrooms has hallucinogenic properties. It is noted that this fact depends on the area of ​​growth. For example, forest products growing in Japan or Korea have a high concentration of psilocybin, while in the USA this substance is practically absent. This alkaloid is able to cause changes in consciousness.

Doubles of Juno’s hymnal

Due to the special bitter taste, these mushrooms are unsuitable for human consumption.

Juno’s hymnopil has a common shape and color, and therefore can be confused with other yellow-colored scaly gifts of the forest. Twins include:

1. Scale grass – grows on rich fertile soils. In some countries, this species is listed in the Red Book. Most common in Eurasia and North America. The hat is flat-convex in shape, finely scaly, golden yellow in color. Belongs to the category of conditionally edible mushrooms. Grows exclusively on soil.

   

2. Scales golden – conditionally edible mushroom. The fruit body is small in size, the bell-shaped cap reaches no more than 18 cm. The leg is dense, without a ring, light brown in color, covered with small scales of a darker shade. A distinctive feature is the presence of red scales, which differ from the general color of the cap.

   

Conclusion

Juno’s hymnopil is an attractive specimen with a beautiful name. Although outwardly this species is similar to some conditionally edible mushrooms, it is forbidden to eat it. Many experts believe that it contains hallucinogenic substances that can lead to unpleasant consequences.