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Reed clavariadelphus (Clavariadelphus ligula) or reed hornbill is a mushroom of the Clavariadelphian family. The view is also known by several names: a pin or a tongue back. In terms of nutritional value, the horned beetle belongs to the latter category.
Where do reed horns grow
The area of distribution of the reed hornwort is in all forests, where pines and spruces are the dominant tree species, regardless of the climatic zone. Mushrooms are distributed throughout the European part, in the forests of the Leningrad region they grow in large groups, sometimes numbering up to 100 fruiting bodies, but such places of localization are rare.
They grow on coniferous litter, covering the remains of wood, a prerequisite is the presence of moss, with which they enter into symbiosis. You can find hornets on the edges near tree trunks, stumps or branches. The fruiting time of clavariadelphus is the end of July. The last specimens in warmer climates are found even in October. Peak fruiting occurs in mid-September.
What do reed horns look like
The pin has a rather unusual appearance, unusual for mushrooms. Fruiting body without stem and cap.
The shape of the horns resembles a tongue, hence the species name. The external characteristic of the fruiting body is as follows:
- height – from 8 to 12 cm;
- the upper part is rounded or slightly flat, diameter – 1,5-3 cm;
- the lower part is very narrow, with a thin felt covering;
- the surface of young mushrooms is smooth, after two days small, randomly formed wrinkles appear;
- the color is light yellow or beige, as it grows it becomes darker, acquires an orange tint;
- the surface is dry, with spores located throughout the fruiting body;
- the structure is hollow, spongy.
The flesh is elastic at the beginning of growth, dry and brittle in ripe specimens. White, with a slight bitter taste and no smell.
Is it possible to eat reed horns
The reed hornworm is not classified as a poisonous species; its chemical composition does not contain compounds that are toxic to humans. In the classification by nutritional value, it is included in the fourth – last group. The species is not in demand due to the small fruiting body and thin pulp. The pin is not harvested in large volume.
Taste qualities of the mushroom hornwort reed
There are instances with a weak and slightly sweet taste, but more often the mushrooms are bitter. Because of this, the nutritional value is low, you can get rid of the unpleasant taste by soaking and boiling. After processing, the horns can be fried or included in salads. Perhaps stewing with vegetables in sour cream. For winter harvesting, the species is not processed. Clavariadelphus is not suitable for making soup. Fruiting bodies after boiling become tasteless and rubbery in structure.
False doubles
Similar species with reed hornwort include pistil hornbill.
The views are very similar in appearance. The double is distinguished by a light lilac color of the lower part, longitudinal wrinkles on the surface. The flesh on the scrap becomes brown, not purple. Distributed in the southern part of Our Country, found in deciduous forests, growing in numerous colonies on rotten leaf litter. The structure is spongy, with a weak taste, lack of bitterness and smell. The species belongs to the 4th group in terms of nutritional value.
Outwardly similar to clavariadelphus reed and truncated horn.
The fruiting body of the twin is larger, with a flat wrinkled surface. The coloration is uneven: the club-shaped top is orange, the lower part is light gray with a small dense pile. The structure is whole, spongy, the flesh is white, sweetish. According to the nutritional value, the truncated horned beetle belongs to the 4th category. Grows in groups near spruces, rare in Our Country.
Collection rules
I collect mushrooms at the end of summer near coniferous trees on a moss bedding. Do not consider places in areas with poor ecology. Near industrial enterprises, highways or landfills, fruiting bodies accumulate heavy metals and substances toxic to humans; after consumption, such a product can cause intoxication. Do not take old overripe specimens.
Use
In addition to gastronomic use, reed clavariadelphus has become a source of polysaccharides, which are used to stop the growth of breast cancer cells. The composition of the fruiting body contains chemicals that are natural antibiotics.
Conclusion
Reed Hornbill is a rare mushroom with an unusual appearance. The fruiting body does not have a clear boundary between the cap and the stem. View with a low gastronomic assessment, conditionally edible. Some of the substances in the chemical composition are used for medical purposes for the treatment of oncological neoplasms.
