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Mutinus caninus (Mutinus caninus) is an unusual species belonging to the Veselkovye family. The unique appearance of these saprobiotic mushrooms involuntarily attracts attention. However, the strong repulsive smell of carrion will make the mushroom picker refrain from picking.
What does a dog mutinus look like?
For the first time, canine mutinus was found and described in 1849 by the British naturalist and mycologist William Hudson. Up to this point, it was classified as a variety of Ravenel’s mutinus (Mutinus ravenelii).
The fungus is found in the literature under the following names:
- Canine phallus;
- Cynophallus caninus;
- Ithyphallus odorless.
At an early stage of development, the fruiting body of canis mutinus looks like a white, yellowish or pinkish ellipse 2-3 cm in diameter. As the egg grows, it bursts into 2-3 parts, and a hollow cylindrical leg of a spongy structure and yellowish color begins to grow from the resulting crack. On average, it is extended by 15-18 cm, its diameter is 1-1,5 cm. It is crowned with a pointed, thin, small-tuberous tip, painted in brick-red tones.
When the canine mutinus matures, its tip is covered with an olive-brown spore mucus (gleba), exuding a sharp nauseating odor. The stench of canine mutinus attracts insects, especially flies, which spread its colorless spore powder and promote reproduction.
Where and how to grow
Mutinus canis is a Red Book mushroom. On the territory of Our Country, it can be found in such areas:
- Murmansk;
- Leningradskaya;
- Stavropol;
- Krasnodar region;
- Tomsk;
- Primorye.
Mutinus canis grows in Lithuania, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, and also in North America. A favorite place of the fungus are moist coniferous forests. He settles on rotten deadwood, stumps, rotting wood. Can grow on sawdust and mulch. Being a humus saprotroph, it prefers well-fertilized soils, sometimes found among bushes and in gardens.
Mutinus caninus grows in small groups, rarely singly. The fruiting period is July-September. After the insects eat the foul-smelling spore mucus, the fruiting body of the fungus dies within three days.
Twins and their differences
Canine mutinus can be confused with its closest relative, the Ravenel mutinus or stink morel. The species is distinguished by a more compact size, a pinkish stem and a smooth green-olive gleba. It is listed in the Red Book, little studied, and is more of interest to mycologists than mushroom pickers. Refers to inedible.
Mutinus dog is similar to the conditionally edible common oar (Phallus impudicus). The samotnik, as she is also called, has a bell-shaped hat.
In some cases, canine mutinus in the egg stage can be confused with the deadly pale grebe (Amanita phalloides). In a poisonous double, even in its infancy, a hat can be distinguished.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
There are no poisons in the chemical composition of canine mutinus, no cases of poisoning have been recorded. The mushroom is considered inedible, however, some argue that it can be eaten at the egg stage. Of course, it is better to refrain from such experiments with your own body, and in the absence of other mushrooms, buy the same champignons in the store.
Medicinal properties
This species has long been considered a medicinal mushroom. Unfortunately, many recipes have been lost, but it is known for certain that the mushroom is effective in treating gout. It is also known for its anti-cancer properties.
Many members of the Veselkovy family, including the genus Mutinus, have a rejuvenating effect. Their juice is used in the preparation of face masks. Mutinus caninus is a natural antioxidant. It stimulates the immune system, increases efficiency.
Conclusion
Mutinus canis is a fungus with an ambiguous appearance and a frightening smell. Having met in the forest, it is better to bypass it, remembering that the species is listed in the Red Book and is on the verge of extinction.
