Vaulted star (lat. )

It seems as if Mother Earth decided to create a mushroom in the image and likeness of a person. The vaulted starfish really resembles a human figure. This mushroom also looks like a domed earthen star. That’s why people, in English-speaking countries, call it that. The second variant of the name is acrobatic earth star.

It reaches a height of 4-8 cm. It is usually found singly or in small groups in the forests of North America and Europe, mainly in Mexico and the southwestern United States of America. If you find this mushroom, you should know that it is inedible.

Trembling brain (lat. ) - forest brain

In the context.

Striped glass (lat. ) - a small bird's nest with miniature eggs

What tiny bird found this nest and laid eggs in it? Calm down: this is not at all the work of the wings of a miniature bird. This is about beautiful mushroom striped glass, or, as it is also called, striped ciatus. You can find these in summer and fall on dead wood in areas with temperate climate all over the planet: in Asia, in Europe, in North, Central and South America, in New Zealand. The color and size of striped glasses may vary slightly, but, as a rule, they are no more than 1 cm in width and height. The striped cyathus has a gray or brown color. By the way, in the scientific literature tiny “eggs” are called peridioles.

Auricularia ear-shaped (lat. ) - the forest hears everything

Ears in the middle of the forest? It looks like a David Lynch film. But this can actually happen to you. You can even eat them if you want. In fact, these are mushrooms called Auricularia otica. Their size varies from 3 to 12 cm. These reddish-brown “ears” can be found in damp places, mainly on dead deciduous trees and shrubs. Mushrooms grow all year round, however, they can most often be found in the fall. They are widely distributed in temperate and subtropical climates around the world.

Auricularia auriculata mushroom in Asia, especially in China, it is considered delicacy. It is specially grown on dead wood, for example, cork oak, elderberry, and banana of paradise wood. While in the People's Republic of China, you can try Chinese Black Mushroom soup, an essential ingredient of which is the aforementioned mushroom. Auricularia auriculata is also used for preparing salads. In China, Ghana, and Nigeria, it is believed that dishes made from these mushrooms are medicinal. In particular, the Chinese believe that soup with “ears” helps in the fight against colds and fever.

Anthurus archera (lat. Clathrus archeri) - devil's fingers, octopus or starfish?

When the Anthurus archer mushroom opens, it looks similar to starfish or an octopus. Typically has 4 to 7 pinkish-red "tentacles". Popularly known as the devil's fingers, the world's creepiest mushroom. It is easy to recognize not only by appearance, but also in a terrible way unpleasant smell fell. The smell attracts flies, which spread the spores. Anthurus archer grows in groups, often among wood chips, old stumps and stale leaves. Initially it grew in Australia and Tasmania, but now it can be found in Europe and in North America, and in Asia. Do not try this mushroom when it is open; it is inedible.

Undisclosed.

Hydnellum peca (lat. ) - “bleeding” mushroom

If you walk through the forests of North America and some European countries, You may discover a mushroom with a scary popular name, bloody tooth or devil tooth. Although there are people who look at it from a culinary point of view. To them, the mushroom resembles ice cream with strawberry syrup.

Only young, wet mushrooms can “bleed” bright red liquid. Interestingly, the liquid contains an effective anticoagulant. While Gindellum peca is young, it is easy to identify, but as it ages, the mushroom becomes brown and inconspicuous. "Bleeding" mushroom inedible, although it is not toxic. It tastes extremely bitter. The size of the mushroom ranges from 5 to 10 cm in height. Gindellum peka grows on the ground under coniferous trees, often among mosses. Mutually beneficial relationships are established between the roots of some trees and these mushrooms, and an exchange of useful substances occurs.

- dead man's fingers

When this mushroom is encountered along the way, it seems that the dead man was trying to get out of his grave with his own hands. But again we are talking about mushrooms, whose popular name is dead man's fingers. Not edible mushrooms Xylaria polymorpha appears in the spring, most often on damaged stumps or rotten wood. At first they are bluish or bluish, then, by summer, the mushrooms gradually acquire an ominous appearance for the human eye. Polymorpha means "many forms". As the name itself suggests, the shape of Xylaria polymorpha mushrooms is very diverse. But in most cases the shape is club-shaped, that is, thickened at one end.

Young mushrooms.

Mature black mushrooms.

in the section.

Horrible! Spitting fingers of a zombie.

How do you like the selection? unusual mushrooms? Which one surprised you the most? Share your opinion on in social networks!

The first appearance on social networks of photographs of a mushroom with the eerie name “Devil’s Fingers” caused heated debate among users, although it has been known to specialists for quite some time. Some commentators refused to believe that the pictures were real and assumed that it was just a simple montage. Others joked that the photos showed real eggs with Alien embryos. Some people suggested that these were just footage from the set of a science fiction film.

The demonic-looking mushroom of the Veselkov family was first mentioned in 1860 when describing the flora of Tasmania, and since then it has begun to spread throughout the rest of the world. The spores were first brought to mainland Australia, in New Zealand, and during the First World War they ended up in France. It is assumed that they were brought in accidentally along with a cargo of wool. Since then, "Devil's Fingers" have been found in forests throughout Europe - from Spain to Poland.

"Devil's fingers" on the territory former USSR indeed common, although not universal. Despite the fact that Anthurus Archera is originally a tropical resident, it has perfectly acclimatized almost everywhere it has gone. In the 50s it was found in Kazakhstan, and since the late 70s it periodically catches the eye in Ukrainian forests. In Russia, isolated cases of encounters were noted in the Sverdlovsk and Kaluga regions.

Attempts to taste it were long hampered not only by the repulsive appearance of the mushroom, but also by the strong smell of rotting meat that it spreads. In addition, the peculiar “tentacles” contain sticky mucus. However, all this did not stop thrill-seekers who risked cooking one of the “eggs” that had not yet blossomed. They said that the mushroom has a nasty taste, but it leaves an unforgettable feeling from such a meal.

“The Devil’s Fingers” also attracts attention because the entire process of their growth surprisingly resembles scenes from films about Aliens. Initially, the mushroom is in a curled state in a jelly-like “egg”, then it begins to grow and opens like a flower, spreading its “tentacles” to the sides. The terrible smell it emits is intended to attract flies, which spread the spores further.

After withering, Archer's Anthurus looks no less terrifying - its appearance resembles the pale hand of a dead man protruding from the ground and lying powerlessly on the grass.

Thanks to its unusual frightening appearance and associations with fantastic alien plots, the Devil's Fingers mushroom regularly becomes the hero of Instagram at all stages of its life.

Incredible facts

While walking in the forest, you can sometimes stumble upon absolutely incredible specimens.

These creations created by nature may seriously frighten you, as they look more like someone's body parts than plants.

Although many of them are completely harmless, they can still create a creepy impression.

1. Bleeding tooth mushroom

Mushroom cap Hydnellum Peca (Hydnellum peckii) comes in different shapes, but when a red viscous substance begins to flow out of it, the mushroom can be confused with bleeding tooth, which was dropped to the ground. Sap is released from the pores at night due to excess moisture that accumulates in the roots.

The mushroom is also called "strawberries and cream", but you shouldn't try it. Although it is not poisonous, it tastes bitter and pungent, which makes it inedible.

In addition, it absorbs from environment the heavy element cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that can be toxic at certain levels.

However, studies on the "bleeding tooth" have shown that it contains atromenthin, which has anticoagulant properties. The mushroom usually grows near coniferous trees in America and Eurasia.

2. Poisonous plant "Doll's eye"

Berries " doll eye" (Actaea pachypoda) were named so not by chance, since these white oblong berries look very similar bulging eyes.

The ominous appearance is a warning, as the plant contains carcinogenic toxin, which immediately puts the heart muscle to sleep.

If consumed internally, it can lead to heart attack and even death. A black dot or “pupil” is a scar that appears on the pointed end of the stem during the initial stage of growth.

Each berry has several seeds, but most birds are immune to the toxins. They eat the berries and excrete the seeds in their excrement. Leaves, stem and roots, and white flowers when touched may cause blisters on the skin, and when consumed orally, cause intestinal inflammation.

A large number of berries can kill a person.

3. Lepiota - “nipple mushroom”

Mushrooms of the genus Lepiota often resemble human nipples in appearance. White mushroom cap lepiota brown-yellow (Lepiota boudieri) gradually darkens from ocher to dark brown towards the center. The surface of the mushroom looks smooth like skin, and the top is covered with fine brown hairs. Once wet, the mushroom cap hangs down from the moisture, forming a “nipple.”

Most lepiota mushrooms contain amatoxin, which is extremely poisonous. Lepiota brown-yellow was previously called the “umbrella mushroom,” which can mislead an inexperienced mushroom picker, since other edible mushrooms of the species Macrolepiota procera also called "umbrella mushrooms".

4. Sublime psychotria - “hot lips”

Tree Psychotria sublime (Psychotria elata) grows in the tropical rain forests of the Central and South America. From December to March, the plant's bright red bracts look like lips painted with lipstick.

The red color lures pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. When the bracts open, star-shaped inflorescences and oval berries appear inside.

Hot lips are a popular gift in Central America to express love.

The bark and leaves of the tree are used for treating ear pain, skin rashes and coughs. Natives of Panama use the plant to treat breathing problems. Unfortunately, deforestation has led to the fact that psychotria is now on the verge of extinction.

5. False morels

Morels are highly prized by culinary experts and can be quite expensive when in season. However, amateurs cannot always distinguish a real morel from a false one, which is very toxic. Near 20 percent deaths associated with mushroom consumption is due to false morels.

Some less toxic types of false morels are prepared in Scandinavian countries, where they are boiled and washed several times. Despite this, it is a carcinogen hydrazine gyromitrine remains in small quantities and is especially dangerous for pregnant and lactating women.

Gyromithrine poisoning includes symptoms such as diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting, and in large quantities it can lead to liver damage up to the need for a liver transplant.

True morels have a lattice-like surface of the cap with depressions and irregularities. False morels have a wavy, lobed surface that resembles cerebral cortex in humans. In addition, the cap of false morels is not completely attached to the stem and, when cut, is filled with white pulp, whereas real morels are hollow inside.

6. Inedible rhodotus mushroom

Mushroom cap rhodotus (Rhodotus palmatus) accepts different shapes and colors depending on the light it receives at an early stage of development. The mushroom may resemble human heart, stomach and even spongy lung.

The surface of the cap is gelatinous with white grooves or veins with reticulate grooves, resembling vascular system internal organs, and underneath the surface the flesh is dense. When it accumulates in the roots a large number of moisture, the mushroom secretes red or orange juice through its pores in a process called guttation.

Rhodotus grows near rotting deciduous trees eg elms in Great Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, Poland and North America. Mushroom has a bitter taste and is inedible.

7. Snapdragon

Flowers of an annual plant Snapdragon large (Antirrhinum majus) resemble an open lion's mouth.

Several legends are associated with the plant. According to one of them, the house where snapdragon grows will be free from witchcraft and curses. According to another belief, a woman who eats this plant will have beauty throughout her life. However, you should not do this, as it poisonous.

In late summer, when the petals wither and fall off, the achene is exposed and the seeds fall from three holes, giving the plant type of skull.

8. Judas ear mushroom

Auricularia ear-shaped (Auricularia auricula), usually grows in groups on rotting or living trees. The mushroom has a gelatinous flesh and a reddish-brown surface covered with fine hairs and veins, resembling the shape human ear.

The mushroom is known to lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood clotting.

It is popular in Japan and China delicacy, which is often called “boneless meat”. 100 grams of dried Judas's Ear mushrooms contain 11 grams of protein, 65 grams of carbohydrates, no fat, and are rich in iron and calcium. In China it is used for medicinal purposes, ranging from treating hemorrhoids to lung infections.

9. Strange mushroom Askokorina meat

When the gelatinous mushroom Askokorine meat (Ascocoryne sarcoides) grows on dead deciduous wood, it looks like spherical earlobes. When mushrooms gather in bunches, pressing against each other, they begin to resemble small intestine , especially if they are wet from dew or rain.

The fungus is most often found on broadleaf trees, especially beech trees in Europe and Australia. Ascocorine has no distinctive odor or taste and is considered inedible.

Mushroom Anthurus Archer (Clathrus archeri), also known as "devil's fingers". In its mature form, the mushroom has 4-8 red "fingers" with black spheres resembling the suckers on an octopus' tentacles. These black balls, called gleba, emit rancid smell, looking like rotting meat. This attracts flies, which scatter fungal spores.

Like other mushrooms, anthurus grows first as a white, ovoid bulb, and when it bursts, white fingers appear like hand of a corpse crawling out of a grave.

Eventually the "fingers" rise up, growing up to 10 cm in height and extending up to 20 cm in width. Although the mushroom is not toxic, due to its smell it is considered inedible.

• Department: Ascomycota (Ascomycetes)
• Subdivision: Pezizomycotina (Pezizomycotina)
• Class: Sordariomycetes (Sordariomycetes)
• Subclass: Xylariomycetidae (Xylariomycetes)
• Order: Xylariales (Xylariaceae)
• Family: Xylariaceae (Xylariaceae)
• Genus: Xylaria (Xylaria)
• View: Xylaria polymorpha

Synonyms:

• Dead Man's Fingers

• Xylaria multiforme
• Xylaria polymorpha
• Sphaeria polymorpha
• Hypoxylon polymorphum
• Xylosphaera polymorpha
• Hypoxylon var. polymorphum

This strange mushroom, often called "Dead Man's Fingers", can be found from spring to late autumn, as it develops very slowly. Young - pale, bluish, often with a whitish tip. Its pale outer covering is “asexual” spores, conidia, which appear early in development. By summer, however, the mushroom begins to turn black, and by late summer or fall it is completely black and dried out. Somewhere in the middle of this transformation process, Xylaria multiforme actually looks like “dead man's fingers” eerily sticking out of the ground. However, in the final stages, it most likely looks like a “gift” left by a house cat.

Xylaria polymorpha is the most common of the large Xylaria species, but the species name, "Dead Man's Fingers", is often applied in a broad sense, encompassing several species that are differentiated by microscopic characters.

Description

Ecology: a saprophyte on rotting deciduous stumps and logs, usually at or very close to the base of the tree, but can sometimes grow as if from the ground - in fact, there are always wood remains buried there in the ground. Can grow singly, but is more common in clusters. Causes soft rot of wood.

Fruiting body: 3-10 cm in height and up to 2.5 cm in diameter. Hard, dense. More or less like a club or finger, but sometimes flattened, may be branched. Usually with a rounded tip. When young it is covered with a pale bluish, grey-bluish, or purple dust of conidia (asexual spores) except for the whitish tip, but as it matures it becomes blackish with a pale tip and eventually completely black. The surface becomes finely dried and wrinkled, and a hole is formed in the upper part through which mature spores are ejected.

Pulp b: white, whitish, very hard.

Microscopic characteristics: spores 20-31 x 5-10 µm, smooth, fusiform; with straight germinal slits extending from 1/2 to 2/3 of the spore length.

Season and distribution

Widely distributed throughout the planet. It usually grows in groups, prefers to live on rotten wood and stumps of deciduous trees, loves oaks, beeches, elms, and can grow on conifers. Sometimes found on the trunks of weakened and damaged living trees. From spring until frost, ripe fruit bodies do not deteriorate for a long time.

Edibility

Inedible. There is no data on toxicity.

Similar species

(Xylaria longipes) is much less common and is characterized by thinner, more graceful fruiting bodies, however, a microscope will be needed for definitive identification.

Other information about the mushroom

Has medicinal properties. IN folk medicine In some countries it is used as a diuretic and as a drug to increase lactation.