Diverse webcap (Cortinarius multiformis)
Systematics:- Department: Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes)
- Subdivision: Agaricomycotina (Agaricomycetes)
- Class: Agaricomycetes (Agaricomycetes)
- Subclass: Agaricomycetidae (Agaricomycetes)
- Order: Agaricales (Agaric or Lamellar)
- Family: Cortinariaceae (Spiderwebs)
- Genus: Cortinarius (Webcap)
- Species: Cortinarius multiformis
A mushroom called the spiderweb (Latin Cortinarius multiformis ) is a rare conditionally edible species of lamellar mushroom. It got its name from the white cobweb blanket that connects the edges of the cap to the stem in young mushrooms. Currently, more than forty species of spiderwebs are known. This type of fungus grows singly or in groups from mid-summer to mid-autumn.
The mushroom has a hemispherical cap with a diameter of about eight centimeters, which straightens with the growth of the mushroom, acquiring thin wavy edges. Smooth and damp to the touch, the surface of the mushroom cap becomes sticky when wet. In a damp summer, the cap has a dull reddish color, and in a hot, dry summer, it is yellowish. The plates adherent to the cap turn from white to brown with the growth of the mushroom. In mushrooms beginning to grow, the plates are hidden by a white, veiled, cobweb blanket.
A rounded mushroom leg at its base turns into a small tuber. This distinguishes the mushroom from other similar species. The height of the leg reaches eight centimeters. The leg is smooth and silky to the touch. Its pulp is elastic, tasteless and does not possess any smell.
The fungus is quite widespread in the Russian forests of the European part of the country, in the forests of Belarus. Coniferous forests are considered to be a favorite place of distribution, although the mushroom can also be found in dense deciduous forests.
The varied webcap can be used for food after half an hour of boiling in boiling water. HE is prepared as a roast and also pickled for long-term storage.
Appreciated by amateurs and professional mushroom pickers who are well versed in mushrooms and know their price.