European blusher
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| ?European blusher | ||||||||||||||||
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| Amanita rubescens (Pers. ex Fr.) Gray |
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The European blusher (Amanita rubescens) is a common species of mushroom of the large genus Amanita. Both its scientific and common names are derived from its propensity of its flesh to turn pink. Though edible, it can be confused with poisonous species and should probably be avoided by novice mushroomers.
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[edit] Description
The European blusher has a reddish-brown pileus (cap), usually elliptical, between 4 and 15 cm across and strewn with small cream-coloured warts. It is sometimes covered with an ochre-yellow flush which can be washed by the rain. The flesh of the mushroom is white, becoming pink when bruised or exposed to air. This is a key feature in differentiating it from the poisonous False Blusher or Panther cap (Amanita pantherina), whose flesh does not.
The stipe (stem) is white with flushes of the cap colour, and grows to a height of between 6 and 14 cm. The gills are white and free of the stem, and display red spots when damaged.
The spores are white, ovate, amyloid, and approximately 8 by 5 µm in size.
The mushroom is often attacked by parasitic insects.
[edit] Distribution and habitat
It is common throughout much of Europe and North America, growing on poor soils as well as in deciduous or coniferous woodland. It is in spruce forests that the largest specimens are to be found. The growing season is from summer to autumn.
[edit] Uses
Caution: The European blusher can be confused with the similar panther mushroom which is highly toxic. Do not rely on Wikipedia alone when identifying mushrooms for consumption.
It is edible when cooked but poisonous if eaten raw; the water it is cooked in should be regarded as toxic and discarded. The flavour is mild but has a faint acrid aftertaste. The smell is not strong.
The similarity to a poisonous species and the fact that it does itself contain toxins mean that it is advisable to avoid consumption altogether.
[edit] See also
