Where the net-bearing mushroom grows and its description (+17 photos)

One of the most striking representatives of the mushroom kingdom is the net-footed mushroom, or Dictyophora doubly. If you're lucky enough to encounter this rare specimen while walking through the forest, it's simply impossible to miss. The first thing that catches your eye is the distinctive appearance of its fruiting body, uncharacteristic of other mushrooms in the kingdom.

The net-footed mushroom is an endangered species and is listed in the Red Book. It grows in temperate climates and is considered conditionally edible due to its distinctive odor. It is popularly known as the "veiled lady," referring to the lace mesh beneath its cap. It is impossible not to mention the fact that the net-bearing fish lives only one day, but grows by 5 mm every minute. The attention of many mushroom pickers is attracted by the large number of beneficial properties that this species possesses.

Characteristic features of the variety

Dictyophora dyadensis is easily distinguished from other members of the kingdom by its distinctive external features and morphology. This species belongs to the genus Veselka and the family Veselkov.

A characteristic feature of Dictyophora is its two-phase development, each phase with its own characteristics. Since Phallus duplicatus belongs to the Gasteromycete species, the fruiting portion remains completely closed until the spores mature. Currently, the species is declining in numbers.

Description of the double net and photo of the mushroom

The mushroom is small in size. It has a conical, olive-colored cap with a smooth, slippery surface. A delicate mesh grows from the edges of the cap, which can completely cover the stem. The mesh is white, turning green at night.

The stem is barrel-shaped and tall, reaching up to 20 cm. Externally, the net-footed daisy is similar to Hadrian's stinkhorn, the common stinkhorn, and the campanulate dictyophora. Photos and a detailed description of the variety are provided below.

Morphology

At the site of the fruiting portion, a rounded base initially appears, containing a gelatinous mass within. This mass contains the rudiments of the fruiting portion. The rounded base then takes on the shape of a cylinder or a chicken egg (hence its nickname, the witch's egg) and reaches 7 cm in height. The formation is initially white, gradually turning yellow and brownish. The base then splits into two parts, and the mature fruiting body emerges from them.

The cap is honeycombed, cone-shaped, and covered with a slimy, slippery layer on top. Once exposed, the fruiting body emits an unpleasant, putrid odor that repels mushroom pickers but attracts insects. This odor often attracts flies to the surface, which spread spores, while the lacy surface increases the surface area for insects.

The cap reaches 5 cm in height. A disc-shaped slit appears at the top. A veil extends from the cap's edges and can cover half or completely the mushroom. The veil contains uniformly rounded cells. The stem is tall, porous, sponge-like in texture, and cylindrical. It widens toward the center and has a diameter of approximately 2-3 cm.

Place of distribution

The net-weed mushroom most often grows in deciduous or mixed forests, preferring areas near poplars, firs, and shrubs. It can also be found in forest plantations near cities, residential buildings, and summer cottages. The mushroom is attracted to substrates rich in organic matter. This species grows solitarily and rarely bears fruit. Fruiting peaks in mid- and late summer. It can be found throughout Russia, although extremely rare.

Edible or inedible

The net-weed is considered edible when it is in its early stages of development and no larger than a chicken egg. It is during this period that it is consumed.

In folk medicine, there were many recipes for using the mushroom to treat gout. It was also eaten fried or boiled, with a dressing of sour cream and spices. Mature mushrooms were not eaten due to the distinctive odor emanating from the stem and reticulum.

When and how to collect correctly

Dictyophora doubly occurs from early summer, with peak yields occurring in midsummer. Because this mushroom is a rare and endangered species, picking it is strictly prohibited.

These mushrooms are protected by the state, and collecting them carries administrative penalties and a fine. Today, if you're lucky enough to spot one, you can only admire it and move on.

How to distinguish it from similar mushrooms?

Dictyophora resembles some members of the genus Veselka, but differs in coloration. Most often, net-snouted mushrooms are confused with the Hadrian's Veselka, which has a pinkish-purple egg from which it develops, and mature mushrooms develop a pleasant, yeast-like aroma.

Application

The nettle was often compared to a flowering fern, but it was sought after for medicinal purposes. This species is widely known for its beneficial properties, which were actively used in folk medicine.

Medicinal properties and restrictions on use

The main indications for treatment are:

• gastritis and stomach ulcer;
• thrombophlebitis;
• renal dysfunction;
• tuberculosis;
• bronchial asthma;
• benign and malignant neoplasms.

In folk medicine, decoctions and infusions were often used to treat benign and malignant tumors. Fishnets are rich in polysaccharides, which influence the synthesis of perforin in the body. Perforin, in turn, damages the membranes of cancer cells, thereby killing them.

Its beneficial properties lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which helps treat hypertension. Dictyophora has also received numerous positive reviews for its effectiveness in treating gout and rheumatism.

It was often used for skin inflammations and diseases, non-healing wounds, insect bites, ulcers, bedsores, and tumors. The mushroom contains phytoncides, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties. It was also used to treat gastrointestinal and kidney diseases. A vodka-based tincture was prepared from the mushroom to treat these ailments.

Fishnets are also considered powerful aphrodisiacs, providing energy during periods of fatigue and during periods of recharging the body. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 5, people with hypersensitivity, and diabetics are not recommended to use the mushroom for treatment.

Recipes and cooking features

This variety can only be consumed in the egg stage, fried, boiled, or dried. Initially, after harvesting, the fruit was fried and peeled. It was then stewed with vegetables, sour cream, and seasonings. To dry, the net bag was thoroughly washed and cleaned, cut in half, and strung on a thread. Drying should be done in a cool, dark place, then stored in a container and sealed. These preserves can be stored for up to three years.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Questions about the prevalence, rules for collecting and eating nettles are considered the most popular:

The double-netted mushroom is particularly valuable in folk medicine, where it has been used to treat many ailments. This endangered species is considered one of the most beautiful and unusual.