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Prickly prickly, needle, spiked, hedgehog – these are the names of the same mushroom, which is a representative of the Champignon family. In appearance, it can be confused with a small furry tussock or hedgehog. The official name is Lycoperdon echinatum.
What does a prickly raincoat look like
He, like many of his relatives, has a reverse pear-shaped fruiting body, which tapers at the base and forms a kind of short stump. The surface of young specimens is light, but as they grow older it becomes light brown.
The diameter of the upper part reaches 5 cm. It is completely covered with curved spikes-needles 5 mm long, which are arranged in rings. Initially, the growths are cream-colored, and then darken and turn brown. During the ripening period, the spikes peel off, exposing the surface and leaving a mesh pattern. At the same time, a hole is formed in the upper part, through which the fungus releases ripe spores.
The spikes of the prickly raincoat are arranged in rings, in the center is the longest, and around are short
The flesh is initially white, but becomes purple or brown-purple when ripe.
At the base of the fungus, you can see a mycelial strand of white color, thanks to which it is firmly held on the soil surface.
Spores are spherical with characteristic spines on the surface. Their size is 4-6 microns. The spore powder is initially creamy but changes to purplish brown as it matures.
Where and how to grow
This mushroom is classified as rare. The fruiting season begins in July and continues until the end of October, if conditions are favorable. Grows singly or in small groups. It is found in deciduous forests, as well as on moorlands in mountainous areas.
Prefers calcareous soil. Distributed in Europe, Africa, Central and North America.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Puffball is edible as long as its flesh is white. Therefore, it is recommended to collect especially young mushrooms. According to nutritional value, they are classified in the fourth category.
Before use, it must be boiled or dried. The prickly raincoat does not tolerate long-distance transportation, so it should not be collected if a long walk through the forest is planned.
Twins and their differences
According to external signs and description, the black-spined raincoat is in many ways similar to its other relatives. Therefore, in order to identify twins, you need to know their characteristic differences.
Similar twins:
- The raincoat is patchy. The surface of the fruiting body is covered with cotton-like white flakes. The main color is light cream or ocher. Considered edible. It grows in the southern regions, found in oak and hornbeam forests. The official name is Lycoperdon mammiforme.
The ragged raincoat is considered one of the most beautiful representatives of the Champignon family.
- The raincoat is smelly. Common view. A distinctive feature is the dark color of the fruiting body with brown curved spikes that form stellate clusters. Young specimens exude an unpleasant odor that resembles lighting gas. Considered inedible. The official name is Lycoperdon nigrescens.
Smelly raincoat should not be eaten even at an early age, when the flesh is white
Conclusion
The prickly puffball has an unusual appearance, due to which it is difficult to confuse it with other relatives. But when in doubt, the flesh should be broken. It should have a pleasant aroma and a dense white texture. When collecting, it should be borne in mind that this species cannot be carried for a long time in a basket.
