Marasmius oreades - Негниючник луговой - Scotch Bonnet

Marasmius oreades - Негниючник луговой - Scotch Bonnet - Masshroom 7/6/23—6/15/24

Marasmius oreades, commonly known as the Scotch Bonnet or Fairy Ring Mushroom, is a small, gilled fungus renowned for its edible qualities. It exhibits a caps diameter from 2 to 5 cm, with convex to flattened shape, and light beige to brownish color. The cap is smooth and can become wrinkled with age, often showing a small central umbo. The gills are narrowly spaced, and are whitish to pale tan. The stem measures 3-7 cm long and is tough, slender, and a whitish-brown color. Its spores are white, and are pip-shaped, measuring 7-10 by 4-6 µm. The spore print is white, adding another identification feature. Marasmius oreades is a saprobic fungus, deriving nutrients from decaying organic matter. It grows in grasslands and pastures, often forming fairy rings which are circular patterns of mushrooms that can sometimes reach many meters in diameter. The Scotch Bonnet is widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, and can typically be found from late spring to autumn. Chemically, Marasmius oreades contains compounds that give it a pleasant, nutty aroma. Despite its small size, it is quite flavorful, making it a favorite among foragers. The fruit bodies of Marasmius oreades are used in various culinary applications. They can be used fresh in salads and stir-fries or can be dried for later use. The drying process enhances their flavor, and they can be rehydrated quickly due to their thin flesh. There are no known medicinal properties of Marasmius oreades, but like many mushrooms, they contain beneficial nutrients such as dietary fiber and vitamins. Caution should be taken when identifying this mushroom for consumption, as it can resemble some toxic species. Always remember to properly identify any foraged mushrooms before eating. In summary, Marasmius oreades is a small but flavorful mushroom that is valued for its culinary uses. It's an integral part of the ecosystem, helping to break down organic matter in grassy habitats.