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The peacock cobweb is a representative of the Spider Web family, the genus Spider Web. The Latin name is Cortinarius pavonius. This gift of nature should be known only in order not to accidentally put it in a basket, since it is an inedible and poisonous mushroom.
Description of the peacock cobweb
The optimal time for the growth of this species is the period from late summer to early autumn.
The fruit body consists of a beautiful scaly cap and a strong stem. The pulp is fibrous, light, acquires a yellowish tone on the cut. It has no pronounced smell and taste.
Cap Description
The surface of this mushroom is literally strewn with small scales of brick color.
At a young age, the cap is spherical, becomes flat with time, and a tubercle appears in the center. In mature specimens, strongly depressed and cracked edges can be seen. The size of the cap in diameter varies from 3 to 8 cm. The surface is finely scaly, the main color of which is brick. On the inside of the cap are fleshy, frequent plates. When young, they are purple in color.
Description of the leg
The leg of the specimen is quite strong and thick
The leg of the peacock cobweb is cylindrical, dense, the surface of which is also strewn with scales. As a rule, the color matches the color scheme of the hat.
Where and how to grow
The active fruiting of the peacock cobweb does not last long – from late summer to early autumn. The appearance of this species is registered in many European countries, such as Germany, Great Britain, France. On the territory of Our Country, a poisonous specimen can be found in its European part, as well as in the Urals and Siberia. Preference is given to hilly and mountainous areas, and forms mycorrhiza exclusively with beeches.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The peacock web is considered poisonous. This fruit contains toxins that are dangerous to the human body. In this regard, it cannot be used for food.
Twins and their differences
By external signs, the peacock cobweb is similar to some of its relatives:
- Cobweb white-purple – is considered a conditionally edible mushroom of low quality. The surface of the cap is smooth, glossy, painted in lilac-silver color with ocher spots, which makes it distinguishable from the described species.
- Cobweb lazy – also poisonous, has a similar shape and color of fruiting bodies. At a young age, the hat is yellowish, later becoming copper or reddish. It mainly grows in groups in European forests, located on mossy places.
- Cobweb orange – conditionally edible. It can be distinguished from the peacock cobweb by a smooth, scaleless hat of orange or ocher color. In addition, the leg of the double is decorated with a ring, which the poisonous specimen does not have.
Conclusion
The peacock web is a small mushroom, but quite dangerous. Eating it causes serious poisoning, and also provokes negative changes in the kidney tissue, which can be fatal.