Hebeloma mesophaeum - Гебелома опоясанная - Veiled Poisonpie

Hebeloma mesophaeum - Гебелома опоясанная - Veiled Poisonpie - Gürtelfleischiger Helmling 9/19-20/22

Hebeloma mesophaeum, known as Veiled Poisonpie or Gürtelfleischiger Helmling, is a medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom belonging to the family Hymenogastraceae. The cap is convex to flat, measuring 3-9 cm in diameter, with a smooth, slightly sticky surface and a color that ranges from pale brown to dark brown. The cap margin is often slightly incurved and translucently striate. The stem is robust, measuring 4-10 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm thick, with a whitish to pale brown color, a smooth texture, and a distinct ring or ring zone. The gills are closely spaced, adnate to emarginate, and pale brown to dark brown in color. Hebeloma mesophaeum is primarily distributed across Europe and North America, where it can be found in forests, growing in association with various tree species, particularly conifers and deciduous trees. It prefers moist, acidic environments and can be encountered from late summer to late autumn. The spores of Hebeloma mesophaeum are warty, elliptical, and measure approximately 9-12 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 mesophaeum is considered inedible and potentially toxic due to the presence of various toxic compounds, such as muscarine. Mushroom foragers should exercise caution when collecting mushrooms to avoid misidentification and accidental consumption of toxic species.