Common Rhizopogon (Rhizopogon vulgaris)
Systematics:- Department: Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes)
- Subdivision: Agaricomycotina (Agaricomycetes)
- Class: Agaricomycetes (Agaricomycetes)
- Subclass: Agaricomycetidae (Agaricomycetes)
- Order: Boletales
- Family: Rhizopogonaceae (Rhizopogonaceae)
- Genus: Rhizopogon (Rizopogon)
- Species: Rhizopogon vulgaris (Common Rhizopogon)
- Other names for the mushroom:
- Common truffle
- Regular truffle
- Rizopogon ordinary
Other names:
Common truffle;
Rizopogon is common;
Regular truffle.
External description
The fruiting bodies of Rhizopogon vulgaris are tuberous or round (irregular) in shape. at the same time, only single strands of fungal mycelium can be discerned on the surface of the soil, while the main part of the fruiting body develops under the ground. The diameter of the described fungus ranges from 1 to 5 cm. The surface of the common rhizopogon is characterized by a grayish-brown color. In ripe, old mushrooms, the color of the fruiting body may change, becoming olive-brown, with a yellowish tinge. In young mushrooms of common rhizopogon, the surface is velvety to the touch, and in old ones it becomes smooth. The inside of the mushroom is dense, oily and thick. At first it has a light shade, but when mushroom spores mature, it becomes yellowish, sometimes brown-green.
The pulp of Rhizopogon vulgaris does not have any specific aroma and taste; it consists of a large number of special narrow chambers in which the spores of the fungus are located and mature. The lower region of the fruiting body contains small roots called rhizomorphs. They are white.
The spores of the fungus Rhizopogon vulgaris are characterized by an elliptical shape and a fusiform structure, smooth, with a yellowish tinge. A drop of oil can be seen along the edges of the spores.
Season and habitat of the fungus
Common Rhizopogon (Rhizopogon vulgaris) is widespread in spruce, pine-oak and pine forests. You can also find this mushroom sometimes in deciduous or mixed forests. It grows mainly under conifers, pines and spruces. However, sometimes this type of mushroom can also be found under trees of other species (including deciduous ones). For its growth, Rhizopogon usually chooses soil or litter from fallen leaves. It is not found too often, it grows on the surface of the soil, but more often it is deeply buried inside it. Active fruiting and an increase in the yield of common rhizopogon occurs during the period from June to October. It is almost impossible to see solitary fungi of this species, since Rhizopogon vulgaris grows only in small groups.
Edibility
Common Rhizopogon is one of the little-studied mushrooms, but it is considered edible. Mycologists recommend eating only the young fruiting bodies of Rhizopogon vulgaris.
Similar types and differences from them
Common Rhizopogon (Rhizopogon vulgaris) is very similar in appearance to another mushroom from the same genus, called Rhizopogon roseolus (pinkish rhizopogon). True, in the latter, with damage and strong pressure, the pulp turns red, and the color of the outer surface of the fruiting body is white (in mature mushrooms it becomes olive-brown or yellowish).
Other information about the mushroom
The common rhizopogon has one interesting feature. Most of the fruiting body of this fungus develops underground, so it is often difficult for mushroom pickers to find this variety.