Cortinarius glaucopus - Паутинник сизоножковый - Blueleg Webcap

Cortinarius glaucopus - Паутинник сизоножковый - Blueleg Webcap - Blaugrauer Schleierling 9/28/19

Cortinarius glaucopus, also known as the Blueleg Webcap or Blaugrauer Schleierling, is a medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. The mushroom is characterized by its rusty-brown cap, which can range from 4 to 10 cm in diameter, and the blue to blue-gray color of its stipe. The cap surface is smooth and becomes slightly sticky when moist. The gills of the Blueleg Webcap are adnate to slightly sinuate, and they have a pale brown color that turns rusty-brown as the mushroom matures. The stipe typically measures 6 to 12 cm in height and 1 to 2 cm in thickness, with a bulbous base. A cortina, or cobweb-like veil, is present in young specimens but often disappears as the mushroom matures. Cortinarius glaucopus is a mycorrhizal fungus that forms symbiotic relationships with various tree species, particularly birch, beech, and spruce trees. These relationships help both the fungus and the tree to absorb nutrients from the soil. The Blueleg Webcap is predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, where it grows in mixed and coniferous forests. The fruiting period for Cortinarius glaucopus is generally from late summer to autumn. The mushroom can be found growing solitary or in scattered groups. The spores of this species are elliptical, measuring 8 to 11 µm in length and 5 to 6 µm in width, with a rough surface. The blue coloration of the stipe is due to the presence of a pigment called "glaucopine," which has sparked some scientific interest. However, little is currently known about its potential medicinal or other uses. Cortinarius glaucopus is not considered an edible mushroom, as it may contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Cortinarius glaucopus, like other Cortinarius species, is important ecologically for its role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems. This mushroom can serve as an indicator species, providing information about the overall health of a forest and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.