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Long-legged lobe is an unusual mushroom of the genus Helwell. Having met his family in the forest, one might think that someone has placed a service in the middle of the clearing. This is due to the fact that the upper part of the mushroom resembles a glass in which morning dew collects. Also, this species is called macropodia and Helvella long-legged, and in the official reference books of mycologists it can be found as Helvella macropus.
What do long-legged lobes look like
The fruiting body of this species consists of a pseudocap and an elongated stem. The diameter of the upper part reaches 2-6 cm. Its shape is irregular, round-disk-shaped with edges turned up, which in appearance resembles a glass. However, there are specimens similar to a saddle, since their pseudo-cap is flattened on both sides. Inside, the surface is smooth in a light shade, and on the outside it is fleecy-pumpy, and its color is darker, ranging from brown to purple. Due to the structure of the upper part, water often collects in it.
The flesh of the long-legged lobe is watery thin. It crumbles easily even with little physical impact. At the break it has a gray tint, which does not change when it comes into contact with air. There is no pronounced mushroom smell.
The stem reaches a length of 3-6 cm, depending on the age of the fungus. The thickness of the lower part is 0,5 cm. Its shade is light gray, like inside a pseudo-hat. The surface may be smooth or slightly bumpy. The bottom of the leg is slightly thickened. When cut in it, you can see the cavity inside.
The hymenophore is located on the outer side of the upper part. The spores are white, their size is 18–25 × 10.3–12.2 µm. They are elliptical or spindle shaped.
Often the leg of this lobe narrows in the upper part.
The long-legged lobe has a pronounced characteristic feature that distinguishes it from other cup-shaped relatives – an elongated narrow leg. However, it can be distinguished from less common representatives of this genus only by microscopic features in the laboratory.
Where do long-legged lobes grow
The long-legged lobe belongs to the category of saprotrophs, therefore, certain favorable conditions are necessary for its growth. For nutrition, he needs a substrate based on organic compounds, which are formed as a result of the decomposition of plant remains. Therefore, most often the long-legged lobe grows on half-decayed stumps and tree trunks, which are at the last stage of decomposition. It can also grow directly on soil rich in organic matter, in grass and moss.
This species grows in families consisting of 4-10 specimens, but in exceptional cases it can be found singly.
This species can be found in mixed and deciduous forests in the central part of Our Country and European countries. The representative belongs to the category of rare mushrooms.
The fruiting period of the long-legged lobe begins in mid-summer and lasts until early October. Its duration depends on weather conditions.
Is it possible to eat long-legged lobe
The long-legged lobe is considered inedible. It is impossible to eat it even after preliminary heat treatment. Although this fact remains in question, since special studies in this direction have not been conducted.
But, judging by the appearance and prevalence of the long-legged lobe, it is unlikely that a mushroom picker (even a beginner) will have a desire to collect and harvest it.
Conclusion
The long-legged lobe is a bright representative of the genus Helwell. It is considered little known among lovers of quiet hunting, as it belongs to the category of inedible. But it enjoys increased interest among mycologists.
This mushroom is rarely found in the forest, but if you managed to find it on occasion, you should not pluck it out of idle interest. It is better to admire it from the outside and allow the disputes to fully mature, which will allow it to leave behind offspring.
