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Not all mushrooms have fruiting bodies that consist of a stem and a cap. Sometimes you can find unusual specimens that can even scare inexperienced mushroom pickers. These include Anturus Archer – a representative of the Veselkovye family, the genus Clatrus. The Latin name is Clathrus Archeri.
Also known as devil’s fingers, Archer’s flowertail, Archer’s clathrus, cuttlefish mushroom, Archer’s trellis.
Where does Anthurus Archera mushroom grow?
The mushroom is native to Australia.
Today, this species can be found in almost every corner of the world, especially on the Eastern European continent. Anthurus Archer, whose photo is presented in this article, was registered in such countries as Our Country, Austria, Czech Republic, Australia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Poland and many others. This specimen is also distributed in Africa and North America.
Favorable time for fruiting is the period from July to October. It is not common, but under favorable conditions this species grows in large groups. It grows in mixed and deciduous forests, and can also be located in parks or meadows.
What does Anthurus Archer mushroom look like?
This specimen is a saprophyte, which tends to feed on the remains of plants.
At the initial stage of maturation, the fruit body of Arturus Archer is pear-shaped or ovoid, the size of which is 4-6 cm. Initially, it is covered with a shell of white or gray color with a brownish or pinkish tinge. Under the peridium is a slimy, jelly-like layer that exudes an unpleasant odor, which protects the fetus from external negative influences.
On the section of Archer’s anthurus in the initial stage, you can see its multilayer structure. The first top layer is the peridium, then the jelly-like shell, and below them is the core, which consists of a red color receptacle. It is they who are the future petals of the “flower”. In the central part there is a gleba in the form of a spore-bearing olive layer.
After the anterior rupture, the receptacle develops quite quickly, which is from 3 to 8 red lobes. Initially, they are interconnected at the top, but gradually separate and curve outward. Their color varies from cream or pink to red-coral, in older specimens it fades and acquires faded tones. Subsequently, the fruiting body takes the form of a star or flower with long petals, where the blades reach 15 cm in length. The inner side is covered with a mucous spore-bearing mass of olive color, which dries and turns black with age. The obvious leg is missing. It exudes an unpleasant aroma for humans, but alluring for insects, which, in turn, are carriers of spores. The pulp is honeycomb-like in texture, soft, spongy and very brittle in texture.
Is it possible to eat mushroom Anthurus Archer
This species belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. Due to the repulsive smell and unpleasant taste, it is not suitable for food.
Conclusion
Due to its peculiar appearance, Anthurus Archer cannot be confused with other gifts of the forest. It used to be considered a rare specimen, but today the fruits are increasingly found in various parts of the world. However, there is no benefit from it. It has an unpleasant taste and pungent odor, and therefore has no nutritional value.