Inocybe dulcamara - Волоконница горько-сладкая - Bittersweet Fibrecap

Inocybe dulcamara - Волоконница горько-сладкая - Bittersweet Fibrecap - Bittersüßer Faserling 9/22/22

Inocybe dulcamara, also known as the Bittersweet Fibrecap or Bittersüßer Faserling, is a medium-sized, mycorrhizal basidiomycete mushroom belonging to the Inocybaceae family. It features a conical to convex cap, measuring 2-5 cm in diameter, with a light brown to yellowish-brown color and a silky, fibrillose surface. The stem of this species is typically 4-8 cm long and about 0.5-1 cm thick, with a fibrillose texture and a whitish to pale brown color. The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, initially pale and becoming brownish as the spores mature. Inocybe dulcamara is known for its peculiar odor, which is described as a mixture of sweet and bitter scents, hence its common name. This species is primarily distributed across Europe and North America, where it can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, forming mycorrhizal associations with various tree species, including oak, beech, and birch. It prefers moist, nutrient-rich soil and can be encountered from late spring to late autumn. The spores of Inocybe dulcamara are smooth, elliptical, and measure approximately 8-11 x 5-6.5 µm. Like other Inocybe species, it produces a large number of spores, with a single mature fruiting body capable of releasing millions of them. These spores are dispersed by the wind, allowing the fungus to colonize new areas. Inocybe dulcamara is considered inedible and potentially toxic, as it contains the toxic alkaloid muscarine, which can cause symptoms such as sweating, salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Foragers should exercise caution when collecting mushrooms to avoid accidental poisoning.