Cortinarius laniger - Паутинник шерстеносный - Woolly Webcap

Cortinarius laniger - Паутинник шерстеносный - Woolly Webcap - Wolliger Schleierling 9/20/22

Cortinarius laniger, commonly known as the Woolly Webcap or Wolliger Schleierling, is a medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. The mushroom is characterized by its brown to dark brown cap that can range from 4 to 10 cm in diameter. The cap surface is unique due to its woolly, felt-like texture, which is formed by a dense layer of fibrils. The gills of the Woolly Webcap are adnate to slightly sinuate, with a pale brown color that turns rusty-brown as the mushroom matures. The stipe measures 5 to 12 cm in height and 1 to 2.5 cm in thickness, with a fibrous surface and a pale to dark brown color. A cortina, or cobweb-like veil, is present in young specimens but usually disappears as the mushroom matures. Cortinarius laniger 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 Woolly 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 laniger 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 9 to 14 µm in length and 5 to 7 µm in width, with a rough surface. The unique woolly texture of Cortinarius laniger is due to the presence of dense fibrils on the cap surface. Although the chemical composition of these fibrils is not well understood, their potential medicinal or other applications remain unknown. Cortinarius laniger is not considered an edible mushroom, as it may contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Cortinarius laniger, 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.