Cortinarius purpureus - Паутинник пурпурный - Purple Webcap

Cortinarius purpureus - Паутинник пурпурный - Purple Webcap - Purpurschleierling

Cortinarius purpureus, commonly known as the Purple Webcap or Purpurschleierling, is a medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom belonging to the family Cortinariaceae. This strikingly beautiful mushroom can be identified by its distinctive deep purple color, which can be seen on the cap, gills, and stipe. The cap usually measures 5 to 10 cm in diameter, while the stipe ranges from 6 to 12 cm in height and 1 to 2 cm in thickness. The Purple Webcap is a mycorrhizal fungus, meaning it forms mutually beneficial relationships with the roots of living trees, particularly conifers and birch. These relationships help both the fungus and the tree absorb essential nutrients from the soil. The habitat of Cortinarius purpureus spans across the Northern Hemisphere, from North America and Europe to parts of Asia, typically in coniferous and mixed forests. This mushroom usually fruits in late summer to autumn, growing solitary or in small groups. It is named after the cortina, a spiderweb-like veil that covers the gills in young specimens, which eventually disappears as the mushroom matures. The spores of Cortinarius purpureus are elliptical, measuring 9 to 12 µm in length and 6 to 7 µm in width, with a rough surface. Cortinarius purpureus contains the pigment called "cortinarin A," responsible for the deep purple color of the mushroom. This pigment has been of interest to researchers for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to note that Cortinarius purpureus is not considered edible due to the presence of potentially harmful toxins. Some research has indicated that Cortinarius purpureus may be an important indicator species for monitoring the health of forest ecosystems. The presence or absence of this fungus can give scientists valuable information about the overall health of the forest and the success of conservation efforts.