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Vesyolka Hadriana (Phallus hadriani) is a typical representative of the genus Vesyolka. The mushroom is named after the Dutch scientist and physician Adrian Junius, who first used the name phallus in relation to the fungus, presumably this particular species.
Where the merry Hadrian grows
Vesyolka Hadrian (Adrian) is found on all continents, excluding the regions of the poles and South America. In European countries, it grows on the territory of:
- Denmark;
- Holland;
- Norway
- Sweden;
- Latvia;
- Poland;
- Ukraine;
- Slovakia;
- Ireland.
In Asia, it is distributed in China, Japan, Turkey. It is believed that it was brought to Australia from Eurasia. In Our Country, Hadrian’s veselka grows mainly in the south.
The fungus adapts well to adverse conditions, it can grow even on sand dunes, for which it received its second name – dune fungus. In different countries, the species is known under the following names:
- Dune Stinkhorn (UK);
- Sromotnik fiołkowy (Poland);
- Sand wren (Венгрия);
- Hadovka Hadriánova (Slovakia);
- Duinstinkzwam (Netherlands).
Vesyolka Hadrian loves to grow in gardens and parks, in meadows, in deciduous forests. Prefers sandy soil. Fruiting bodies appear singly or in small groups. The fruiting period begins in May and ends in October.
What does Hadrian’s fun look like
At the very beginning of development, the fruiting body of Hadrian’s oar is an oblong or spherical egg 4-6 cm in diameter, completely or half buried in the ground. The shell of the egg is colored first whitish and then pink or purple. The intensity of the color increases under adverse environmental conditions, such as dry and hot weather or sudden changes in humidity and temperature. If you touch a young mushroom with your hands, darker prints will remain on the shell. There are folds in the lower part of the egg, there are also pinkish strands of mycelium, with which the fungus is attached to the soil. Inside the shell is a jelly-like mucus that exudes a smell of dampness.
In an ovoid form, Hadrian’s oar is quite a long time, but then noticeable changes occur with it. Peridium (egg shell) bursts into 2-3 parts, and a white porous leg with a wrinkled dark cap at the end begins to grow rapidly from it. The mucus at this moment becomes more liquid and, flowing out, helps to release the fruiting body, which was in a compressed state.
The grown mushroom has a cylindrical receptacle with a thickening at the bottom. At the base are the remains of an egg in the form of a pink gelatinous volva. The leg is hollow inside, its surface is spongy, white, yellowish or cream. Height – 12-20 cm, diameter – 3-4 cm. At the tip of the receptacle there is a bell-shaped hat 2-5 cm high. The surface of the hat has a pronounced cellular structure, it is covered with mucus on top. Gleba of the mushroom is painted in olive color, as it ripens, it becomes more liquid and acquires a persistent nut-yeast aroma. There is a whitish hole in the center of the cap.
The smell exuded by the merry attracts flies, beetles, ants, bees and slugs. Some insects feed on spore-containing mucus, promoting the spread of spores. Passing through the digestive tract, they are not damaged and are released along with solid waste products in the process of defecation. Thus, they spread over decent distances.
Is it possible to eat Hadrian’s fun
At the egg stage, the species is edible. Some sources have information about the edibility of Hadrian’s fun and in adulthood. Before use, you just need to wash off the unsightly olive mucus so that the dish does not turn marshy. Refers to conditionally edible.
The taste of the mushroom
The pulp of a young mushroom is white and dense. It does not have a pleasant taste, although in some European countries and China, Hadrian’s fun is considered a delicacy.
Benefits and harm to the body
Official studies on the medicinal properties of Hadrian’s fungus have not been carried out, since the fungus is quite rare. In terms of its effect on the human body, it is similar to the common fungus (Phallus impudicus), which is used for:
- gout;
- kidney disease;
- rheumatism;
- pain in the abdomen.
As a medicine, alcohol and water tinctures from fresh and dried fruiting bodies are used. In ancient times, the mushroom was used to enhance libido. In folk medicine, for prevention and as an adjuvant, mushrooms of the genus Phallus are used:
- to lower cholesterol levels;
- for pressure stabilization;
- with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- during the rehabilitation period after strokes and heart attacks;
- with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- with oncological diseases;
- to enhance immunity;
- to normalize hormonal levels;
- as a healing agent for skin diseases;
- with mental and nervous disorders.
The use of veselka is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in childhood.
False doubles
Hadrian’s Vesyolka is very similar to its closest relative, the Common Vesyolka (Phallus impudicus). The twin is a conditionally edible species with good palatability, eaten in an embryonic egg-like form and immediately after germination. From Hadrian, the common fun is distinguished by the white or cream color of the egg shell and the putrid smell emanating from mature fruiting bodies.
The species described in the article is similar to the inedible Mutinus canine. It can be identified by its yellowish stalk and red-brick tip, which quickly becomes covered with marsh-brown spore-bearing mucus. Mature canine mutins exude an unpleasant carrion odor to attract insects.
Collection rules
Like other mushrooms, Hadrian’s oars must be collected away from industrial enterprises, landfills, highways and other objects that negatively affect the environment. Young, unopened specimens are suitable for collection. The mushroom picker must be completely sure of the species of mushrooms found.
Use
The pulp of young oars can be eaten fried, however, a large number of fruiting bodies will be needed for cooking, since the edible part is extremely small. Some mushroom lovers collect mature Hadrian oars, but they immediately get rid of the hats.
Conclusion
Vesyolka Hadrian is an interesting and unusual mushroom in shape, which, with its appearance, can drive some impressionable natures into the paint; it is not for nothing that many peoples called it a shameful one. The mushroom is quite rare, and if you find it in the forest, it is better to limit yourself to a short admiration and a photograph as a keepsake.
