Cortinarius caperatus - Колпак кольчатый - Gypsy Mushroom

Cortinarius caperatus - Колпак кольчатый - Gypsy Mushroom - Reifpilz 8/13/09—9/1/24

Cortinarius caperatus, also known as the gypsy mushroom, is a basidiomycete fungus that is widely distributed in temperate forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere. This mushroom is mycorrhizal, meaning that it forms a mutually beneficial relationship with trees and other plants. The cap of C. caperatus ranges from 5-15cm in diameter and is convex to flat, with a smooth surface. Its stem is usually about 5-15cm long and is thick and fibrous. The gills are initially whitish, but become rusty brown as the mushroom matures. The spore print of C. caperatus is rusty brown, and the spores themselves are elliptical and ornamented with small bumps, typically measuring 8-11µm in length. Chemically, C. caperatus contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including ergosterol, which is a precursor to vitamin D. Additionally, some studies have shown that this fungus has antibacterial and antifungal properties. C. caperatus is often found growing in coniferous and mixed forests, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including old-growth and second-growth forests. It is distributed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. In addition to its culinary value, C. caperatus has also been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections and digestive disorders. Interestingly, recent research has suggested that C. caperatus may have potential as a source of natural food colorants. The pigment produced by this fungus has been shown to have a bright red color, and may be a potential alternative to synthetic food colorants. Overall, Cortinarius caperatus is an interesting and important fungus with a wide range of potential uses in scientific research, traditional medicine, and the food industry.