Contents
The crowned star is a mushroom with a fantastic bizarre appearance. It resembles a holly flower with a large fruit in the core.
What does a crowned star look like
It has a hat up to 7 cm in diameter, which is divided into 7-8 sectors. The blades of the cap curve down. The fruiting body rises above the surface of the earth and mycelium. The spore sac is whitish, oval, rising on a small stalk. The spores also have a brownish color and small warts on the surface, oval in shape and about 3-5 mm in size. The color of the crowned starfish varies from cream to light brown. The surface is rough, dry in appearance.
Star topped – appearance
Where and how to grow
The main distribution area is the northern part of the territory of the Caucasus Mountains, forests of central Our Country with clay soil.
Fruits in the period from early autumn to the middle, so the time of active growth is September and October.
The growth of this species is characterized by the proximity to deciduous trees.
Mushrooms grow singly or in groups in dense shrubs of park areas and gardens.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The crowned starfish belongs to the category of conditionally edible mushrooms, therefore, in order to use it in nutrition, it is necessary to follow a number of rules. There is almost no mention of eating in the sources. Maybe. That this copy contains toxic substances in the composition, which can cause poisoning. In rare cases, the manifestation of dangerous consequences in the form of effects on the nervous system and digestive tract is possible.
Also, the impossibility of consumption of the crowned starfish is characterized by its gastronomic properties. Taste qualities are specific – a pronounced bitterness and a taste of mud make it unsuitable for consumption.
Twins and their differences
Despite the specific appearance, the crowned star is not the only representative of the mushroom kingdom with this form of the fruiting body.
The main twin is the gestrum triple. This mushroom comes from the same genus and is inedible. In appearance, it also resembles a flower with a large ball in the middle. However, it differs in color from the crowned stellate – the core is almost black, and the blades have a brown undertone. Territorially, the triple geastrum also has a different habitat – its growth is characterized by the presence of coniferous trees. Often grows deep in needles.
This specimen has a rather unusual shape.
Conclusion
The crowned star has an unusual appearance. Its collection is a rather impractical exercise, since it is impossible to eat it. It is a conditionally edible representative of the mushroom kingdom. But admiring the appearance of a mushroom that looks more like a fabulous flower is an interesting activity that can captivate not only children, but also adults. You can find this specimen in deciduous forests, near trees and in shrubs.