A special kind of plant organisms that combine the characteristics of animals and plants are known (and not so) mushrooms. They do not have chlorophyll, cannot independently absorb carbon dioxide from the air, so they have to eat ready-made organic compounds.
The variety of mushrooms (ecological and biological) is very large. This is one of the largest categories of living organisms that has become part of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. According to recent research, scientists have come to the conclusion that there are about 1.5 million species of them on Earth.
Is there a “bleeding mushroom” in nature or not?
Among the many specimens well-known to man, there are also very unusual, rare specimens. For example, "bleeding mushrooms." Their scientific name is Bleedinq Tooth Funqus. At first glance at this miracle of nature it may seem as if it is really splattered with blood. But if you take a closer look, you can see that the liquid, similar to blood, secretes the fungus itself. Most often, it is painted in a blood-red color, but there is also yellow, and light pink, and orange or beige.
Most often, a bleeding fungus grows in moist, mossy terrain in North America. In addition, it can be found in Iran, Korea and even Europe, but much less often.
Gidnellum Peck
In our article, we will not talk about boletus and boletus. Our heroes today will be unusual "bleeding mushrooms." The most striking representative of this species is Gidnellum Peck.
The “bleeding tooth” mushroom is not poisonous, but you shouldn’t try it, as it has a bitter taste that repels animals and people. Gidnellum Peka has a rather frightening appearance - drops of red liquid, similar to blood, appear on a velvety white surface. Scientists analyzed this juice and found that it contains atromentin - a special anticoagulant that can prevent blood clots and rapid blood clotting, and its alcohol infusion helps to reduce bruises.
Gidnellum Peck received its name in honor of the US mycologist Charles Horton Peck (1833-1917).
What does a bleeding tooth look like
At the beginning of its development, Gidnellum Peka is very similar to an ordinary sponge, which exudates through the pores. Later, as the fungus grows older, outgrowths appear under the hat, resembling teeth in shape.
Its fruiting body is simple or fused. The hat is about 6.5 cm in diameter. Usually it is flattened or depressed, uneven. It has a velvety-scaly structure to the touch. In young mushrooms, it is painted in light, almost white tones, with time the surface darkens and becomes red or purple-black. In nature, there is a bleeding fungus with a brown fruit body, very rare specimens with a dark blue hue.
The leg of the mushroom has a cylindrical, and sometimes spindle-shaped. At first it is light, milky white, then it gets the color of a hat. Mushroom “bleeding tooth” has a light, pinkish-brown or light brown flesh. In the leg it is darker than in the hat. In addition, light yellow veins are visible in it.
Often people who first saw this miracle of nature ask: “Is the bleeding mushroom edible or not?” This mushroom is inedible, and in many respects thanks to very bitter taste.
Bleeding Tooth in Russia
In 2012, a discovery unprecedented earlier in these places was discovered. The mushroom "bleeding devil's tooth" was first found in Buryatia. He was found by summer residents in the Ivolginsky district. Interestingly, it was discovered not too far from the edge of the forest.
The mushroom picker did not make any frightening or repulsive impression. They didn’t cut it - they took a picture and left.
How the “bleeding mushroom” ended up in Buryatia is still unknown. One of the versions of Russian scientists is climate change, which leads to a change in the reactions of plants and animals. Perhaps the outlandish "alien" appeared in response to a significant change in climatic conditions.
In nature, there are mushrooms of this kind, but not emitting their red juice to the surface. He appears at a break. We will talk about some of them in our article.
Mycenae bloody
A hat with a diameter of up to 2.0 cm. In a young mushroom, it is hemispherical, dry, convex, with a matte coating. Over time, it expands, acquires a conical or bell-shaped shape.
The plates are rare, initially whitish, later becoming lilac-gray or pinkish.
Leg is cylindrical, thin, hollow inside, covered with hairs or smooth. In the upper part it has a powdery coating. Its height can reach 6 cm, and thickness - no more than 0.4 cm. At the base - wine-red color. Quite often, mushrooms are fused at the base.
The pulp of mycene is thin, watery, brittle. It has no smell. But there is a characteristic bitter taste. When a mushroom breaks, it releases juice of a bright red color, especially in the leg. Mycenae has a spore powder (whitish cream or white).
You can meet the Mitsen from July to the end of August on old rotting tree trunks.
Is mycena poisonous?
In various sources various properties are attributed to this fungus. In some of them, it is recognized as inedible, while others believe that it can be eaten, but it is completely tasteless. Mitsen is very difficult to collect, as its flesh is very fragile.
The red juice that secrete mycene is the protection of the fungus in case of danger. The fact is that it includes natural antibiotics that repel parasites that are dangerous for the fungus.
Despite the fact that Mitsenu is referred to as conditionally edible species, it is still not worth eating it.
Common liverwort
Seeing such an unusual mushroom, no one will remain indifferent. Outwardly, he really looks like a liver. Red veins, looking across the entire surface, as well as the eye-catching juice of saturated red color, which is very similar to blood, add to the mushroom's similarities to this organ.
The fruit body of such a fungus has very impressive dimensions - it reaches 30 cm across. At the beginning of its development, it is shapeless, similar to large drops of released resin, and later acquires a leaf-like or lingual-like shape. Its color varies from scarlet to brown, with bright red veins. The mushroom clings to the host tree with a dark spoon.
Yellow or light brown spore-bearing tubular layer. Tubules are frequent and thin. With even the smallest mechanical effect, they blush. The pulp is elastic and dense. When cut, the mushroom strikingly accurately repeats living tissue - thin marble veins, as well as the prominent "bloody" juice complement the picture.
The liverwort grows on living trees, preferring hollow and honed oaks and chestnuts. The mushroom lives in a temperate southern climate with warm winters. It is much less common in more northern areas.
It is considered to be conditionally edible. Before the hardening period, the mushroom can be eaten. Moreover, it is delicious. The abundance of acid, with which the fungus is protected from the effects of tannins of the tree, is removed by soaking for many hours in salt water. Sometimes this process can last up to a day. Water should be changed periodically. You can use the liverwort only in fresh form. The mushroom does not tolerate preparations for the future.
Red saffron
The hat is up to 15 cm in diameter, convex or flat, sometimes dented in the center. She is very dense and fleshy. In young specimens, the edges are bent. The skin is smooth, orange. Dense and brittle flesh is white, with red veins. On a break allocates juice of bright red color. Records are frequent, but not wide. Leg - 6 cm tall, strong, cylindrical in shape, tapering at the base. It is covered with red pits and powdery bloom.
Tips for mushroom pickers
We told you about quite rare mushrooms, the main feature of which is their ability to secrete blood-red juice. Some of them are conditionally edible, others are poisonous. I would also like to warn quite experienced mushroom pickers, and especially beginners. You should not collect instances that you do not know. The effect of many of them on the human body is not fully understood. Do not risk your health and the health of your loved ones! Remember that mushroom poisoning is very dangerous. And, unfortunately, far from always doctors manage to save those who want to taste an unknown, but very attractive fungus.