Hebeloma laterinum - Гебелома кирпичная - Brick Red Hebeloma

Hebeloma laterinum - Гебелома кирпичная - Brick Red Hebeloma - Ziegelrotes Hebeloma 9/4/21

Hebeloma laterinum, commonly known as the Brick Red Hebeloma or Ziegelrotes Hebeloma, is a medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom belonging to the family Hymenogastraceae. It is characterized by a convex to flat cap, measuring 3-10 cm in diameter, with a smooth surface and a color that ranges from reddish-brown to brick red. The cap margin is often inrolled, especially in young specimens. The stem is robust, measuring 5-10 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm thick, with a whitish to reddish-brown color and a smooth texture. The gills are narrowly spaced, adnate to emarginate, and cream to pale brown in color. Hebeloma laterinum is primarily distributed across Europe and North America, where it can be found in forests, growing in association with various tree species, particularly conifers. It prefers moist, acidic environments and can be encountered from late summer to late autumn. The spores of Hebeloma laterinum are smooth, elliptical, and measure approximately 10-14 x 6-8 µm. The fungus 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. Hebeloma laterinum is considered inedible and potentially toxic, as it contains various toxic compounds, such as muscarine. Mushroom foragers should exercise caution when collecting mushrooms to avoid misidentification and accidental consumption of toxic species.