Pine-footed pine mushroom (Strobilomyces floccopus)
Systematics:- Department: Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes)
- Subdivision: Agaricomycotina (Agaricomycetes)
- Class: Agaricomycetes (Agaricomycetes)
- Subclass: Agaricomycetidae (Agaricomycetes)
- Order: Boletales
- Family: Boletaceae
- Genus: Strobilomyces (Strobilomyces or Shishkogrib)
- Species: Strobilomyces floccopus
Hat
The cotton-footed cone mushroom has a convex cap that looks like a pine cone. A mushroom head with a diameter of 5-12 cm, gray-brown or black-brown, all covered with scales, located like chips on the roof.
Hymenophore
Slightly adherent downward tubules 1-1.5 cm long. The edges of the tubules are whitish at the beginning, covered with a gray-white blanket, then gray to grayish-olive brown, blackening when pressed.
Controversy
Among the boletes, the pineapple mushroom is an exception not only in appearance, but also in the microscopic structure of the spores. Its spores are violet-brown (black-brown), spherical, with a somewhat thickened wall and a noticeable net-like ornament on the surface (10-13 / 9-10 µm).
Leg
Strong stem measuring 7-15 / 1-3 cm, the same color as the cap, covered with coarse fibrous scales. The base of the stem is often rooted.
Pulp
The flesh of the cotton-footed cone mushroom is whitish, on the cut it acquires a reddish tint, gradually turning into black and purple. A drop of FeSO4 colors it in a dark blue-violet tone. Mushroom taste and smell.
Habitat
The cotton-footed cone mushroom is widespread throughout the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, and was apparently introduced into the southern. Grows in summer and autumn in coniferous and deciduous forests, preferring hills and acidic soils. In the lowlands, it forms mycorrhiza with beeches, and in places located above it grows under spruce and fir trees. Fruiting singly or in small groups.
Edibility
The popcorn mushroom is not poisonous, but the old tough legs are difficult to digest. In Germany it is recognized as inedible, in America it is classified as a good mushroom, in most European countries it is harvested, but it is considered low-quality.
Similar species
In Europe, only one representative of the genus grows. In North America, the closely related Strobilomyces confuses is found, which is smaller in size and has a wrinkled, not reticular surface of the spores. Most of the other species are typical of the tropics.