Cortinarius decipiens - Паутинник обманчивый - Fool's webcap

Cortinarius decipiens - Паутинник обманчивый - Fool's webcap - Falscher Netz-Ritterling 9/22/22

Cortinarius decipiens is a mushroom species belonging to the family Cortinariaceae. The cap of the mushroom is brown to rusty brown, and it typically grows to a size of 5 to 12 cm. The gills are adnate, and the stem is fibrous and has a cortina (cobweb-like veil) that disappears as the mushroom matures. The spores are rusty brown in color and elliptical in shape, measuring 8-11 x 4-5.5 µm. This mushroom is known to be poisonous and contains the toxin orellanine, which can cause kidney damage if ingested. It is advised not to consume this mushroom, as it can lead to severe health complications. Cortinarius decipiens is a mycorrhizal fungus, which means it forms a symbiotic relationship with trees, mainly conifers, and provides them with essential nutrients. This mushroom species can be found in coniferous and mixed forests in Europe, North America, and Asia. Interestingly, Cortinarius decipiens has been found to have an association with specific species of ants. The ants feed on the sugary exudate produced by the mushroom, and in return, they protect the mushroom from other insects and pests. Recent research has also shown that Cortinarius decipiens has antimicrobial properties and may have potential applications in the field of medicine. The extracts from this mushroom have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria and fungi, including pathogenic strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.