Cortinarius croceus - Паутинник шафрановый - Saffron Webcap

Cortinarius croceus - Паутинник шафрановый - Saffron Webcap - Safrangelber Schleierling 10/2/21—10/19/24

Cortinarius croceus, commonly known as the Saffron Webcap or Safrangelber Schleierling, is a medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. The mushroom is characterized by its bright yellow to orange-yellow cap that can range from 3 to 8 cm in diameter. The cap surface is smooth to slightly wrinkled, often becoming somewhat sticky when moist. The gills of the Saffron Webcap are adnate to slightly sinuate, with a pale yellow color that turns rusty-brown as the mushroom matures. The stipe measures 4 to 10 cm in height and 0.5 to 1.5 cm in thickness, with a fibrous surface and a pale yellow to orange-yellow color. A cortina, or cobweb-like veil, is present in young specimens but usually disappears as the mushroom matures. Cortinarius croceus is a mycorrhizal fungus that forms symbiotic relationships with various tree species, particularly conifers and deciduous trees such as birch and oak. These relationships help both the fungus and the tree absorb nutrients from the soil. The Saffron Webcap is predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in Europe and North America, where it grows in coniferous and mixed forests. The fruiting period for Cortinarius croceus 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 12 µm in length and 5 to 7 µm in width, with a rough surface. The saffron coloration of Cortinarius croceus is due to the presence of various pigments, which have not been extensively studied. As such, it is currently unclear whether these pigments have any potential medicinal or other applications. Cortinarius croceus is not considered an edible mushroom, as it may contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Cortinarius croceus, like other Cortinarius species, plays an important ecological 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.