Pholiota squarrosa - Чешуйчатка обыкновенная - Shaggy Pholiota

Pholiota squarrosa - Чешуйчатка обыкновенная - Shaggy Pholiota - Schuppige Schichtpilz 9/28/09—10/16/22

Pholiota squarrosa, commonly known as the Shaggy Pholiota or Schuppige Schichtpilz in German, is a medium-sized mushroom species belonging to the Strophariaceae family. The cap of this fungus measures 4 to 12 cm in diameter, with a convex to flat shape and a surface covered in reddish-brown to dark brown scales, giving it a shaggy appearance. The gills of Pholiota squarrosa are adnate to slightly sinuate (notched) and yellowish to brownish in color. The stem is 5-12 cm tall and 0.5-1.5 cm thick, with a yellowish to brownish color and a ring-like annulus. Pholiota squarrosa can be found in temperate forests across Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in clusters on the bases of living or dead deciduous trees, particularly on beech and oak, from late summer to late autumn. The chemistry of Pholiota squarrosa is not well studied, but it is considered inedible due to its bitter taste and possible mild toxicity. The spores of Pholiota squarrosa are brown, elliptical, and measure 7-10 x 4-5.5 micrometers. They are produced in basidia and are released into the environment for reproduction and dispersal. Pholiota squarrosa 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 squarrosa has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, with research suggesting that it may contain compounds with antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects.