Entoloma abortivum - Энтолома недоразвитая - Aborted Entoloma

Entoloma abortivum - Энтолома недоразвитая - Aborted Entoloma - Abgebrochener Rötling 9/6/20

Entoloma abortivum, commonly known as the Aborted Entoloma or Abgebrochener Rötling in German, is a unique mushroom species within the Entolomataceae family. It is characterized by its often irregular and malformed fruiting bodies, which result from a parasitic relationship with the honey fungus Armillaria mellea. The cap of this fungus measures 3 to 10 cm in diameter, with a convex to flat shape and a smooth surface. The cap color varies from whitish to grayish-brown. The gills of Entoloma abortivum are adnate (broadly attached to the stem) and white to pink in color. The stem is 3-10 cm tall and 1-2 cm thick, with a white to grayish color and a slightly fibrous texture. Entoloma abortivum can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia, primarily in deciduous and mixed forests. It grows on the ground, often near decaying wood or in areas where Armillaria mellea is present, from late summer to late autumn. The chemistry of Entoloma abortivum is not well studied, but it is considered an edible mushroom, with the malformed fruiting bodies being particularly prized for their unique texture and flavor. However, proper identification is crucial, as some toxic Entoloma species may resemble the normal fruiting bodies of Entoloma abortivum. The spores of Entoloma abortivum are pink, angular, and measure 7-10 x 5-8 micrometers. They are produced in basidia and are released into the environment for reproduction and dispersal. The most fascinating aspect of Entoloma abortivum is its parasitic interaction with Armillaria mellea. The Entoloma mycelium attacks the Armillaria mycelium, causing the formation of irregular, aborted fruiting bodies. These malformed structures are sometimes referred to as "shrimp of the woods" due to their resemblance to small crustaceans.