Pholiota spumosa - Чешуйчатка боровая - Foamy Scalycap

Pholiota spumosa - Чешуйчатка боровая - Foamy Scalycap - Schaumiger Schüppling 8/20/15—9/6/20

Pholiota spumosa, commonly known as the Foamy Scalycap or Schaumiger Schüppling in German, is a medium-sized mushroom species belonging to the Strophariaceae family. The cap of this fungus measures 3 to 8 cm in diameter, with a convex to flat shape and a surface covered in light to dark brown scales. The cap is sticky when moist and has a distinctive foamy or bubbly appearance. The gills of Pholiota spumosa are adnate to slightly sinuate (notched) and yellowish to brownish in color. The stem is 4-10 cm tall and 0.5-1.5 cm thick, with a whitish to pale brown color and a ring-like annulus. Pholiota spumosa can be found in temperate forests across Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in clusters on the bases of living or dead coniferous trees, particularly on pine and spruce, from late summer to late autumn. The chemistry of Pholiota spumosa is not well studied, but it is considered inedible due to its unpleasant taste and possible mild toxicity. The spores of Pholiota spumosa are brown, elliptical, and measure 6-8 x 3.5-4.5 micrometers. They are produced in basidia and are released into the environment for reproduction and dispersal. Pholiota spumosa is known for its ecological role as a wood decomposer, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients within forest ecosystems. This process contributes to the cycling of nutrients and overall forest health. The fungus is also known as a weak pathogen, causing white rot in some tree species, leading to decay and possible tree death. Pholiota spumosa has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, with research suggesting that it may contain compounds with antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects.