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Rare mushrooms that grow in the steppes and deserts of Asia are tabular mushrooms. The Latin name of the species is Agaricus tabularis. On the European continent, they are found only in the steppes of Ukraine.
What does tabular champignon look like
This is a small, rounded mushroom, the fruiting body of which is 90% cap. Its diameter ranges from 5 to 20 cm, depending on the degree of maturity of the fungus. In young specimens, the cap is rounded, later it becomes flat-convex. Its surface is uneven, covered with gray crusts and scales. As it matures, it cracks, distributed into pyramidal cells. Its color is light gray or off-white. The edge of the cap is wavy, tucked up, becomes prostrate over time, and the remains of the veil remain on it.
The cap is thick, fleshy, spherical in shape
The flesh is dense, whitish, turns yellow when pressed. May become slightly pink with age. Dried champignon tabular yellow.
The leg is even, wide, dense, cylindrical in shape, attached in the center of the cap, it narrows slightly towards the bottom. Its entire surface and inner part is white. The length of the leg does not exceed 7 cm, diameter – 3 cm. The surface is velvety, fibrous. The thick apical ring on the stalk is smooth at first, later becoming fibrous or hanging down.
Plates of tabular champignon are narrow, of medium frequency, at first creamy-white, in the period of full maturity they become brown or black. Usually they do not grow to the leg. In young mushrooms, the lamellar layer is hidden under a thin cover in the form of a white film.
Where does champignon grow
This rare species is found in the arid semi-deserts of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. In Europe, it grows only in the steppe zone of Ukraine (Donetsk, Kherson regions), in the reserves: Askania-Nova, Streltsovskaya steppe, Khomutovskaya steppe. The mushroom is listed in the Red Book. You can find tabby champignon in North America, in the prairies of Colorado and in the desert of Arizona.
The species bears fruit from June to October, prefers dry, sunny glades. The mushroom picker is located in the upper soil layers.
Is it possible to eat tabby champignon
In Our Country, tabular champignon is practically not found, rare specimens can be found on the territory of the Crimea. Presumably, the mushroom is considered edible, but due to its small number, there are no confirmed data on its safety.
False doubles
Tabular champignon has several inedible counterparts. It is important to study their description in order not to make a mistake with the choice.
Red champignon (yellow-skinned champignon) is a poisonous mushroom, similar to many other members of the species. Poisoning them leads to serious consequences.
Its distribution area is extensive – it is found almost all over the world. It grows in forests, on lawns, in meadows overgrown with grass. The mushroom bears fruit especially abundantly after rain in late summer or early autumn.
Pecheritsy’s hat is more prostrate, with a gray spot in the center. When pressed, it turns yellow. In old mushrooms, the stem at the base darkens.
Red champignon – a larger specimen than tabular
You can distinguish it from tabular champignon by the ring, which is located almost in the center of the leg. It is fleshy, two-layer, wide, white.
In the process of thermal exposure, the yellow-skinned pecherica exudes an unpleasant chemical odor.
Flat cap champignon is a poisonous mushroom, the size of which is smaller than the described rare counterpart. The diameter of the cap of the twin does not exceed 9 cm. In young specimens, it is bell-shaped, becoming prostrate with age, but a noticeable bulge of dark color remains in the center.
The surface of the cap is cream or gray, the scales are small, weakly expressed.
Flat cap champignon grows in deciduous or mixed forests. You can also find it on pastures in dense grass.
An important difference: the leg of the poisonous twin does not narrow down, but expands, and has a tuberous growth at the end. There is a prominent white ring in the upper third of the stem.
When pressed, the pulp emits an unpleasant chemical odor, it is compared with a pharmacy.
Rules for collection and use
You can find tabular champignons in the open spaces of semi-deserts or virgin steppes. The white fruiting body of the fungus is clearly visible among the yellowing grass. The mushroom grows singly or in small groups. It is carefully cut or twisted from the mycelium.
Since there is no data on the safety of the described species for human health, it is not recommended to prepare it for eating.
Conclusion
Tabular champignon is a rare representative of the Champignon family. In some countries, it is listed in the Red Book, since it is practically not found on the European continent. More often you can find a tabular mushroom in the territory of Central Asia, in the deserts and semi-deserts of Kazakhstan. The disappearance of the species is associated with the plowing of virgin steppes for grazing and the burning of grass.