Photos Kristel Vilbaste
Translation Liis
Giant funnel mushroom in Kütiorg
Giant funnel; Giant Leucopax Hiid-lehtervahelik Leucopaxillus giganteus
A ”giant ” with a diameter of almost half a metre.
In Estonia they are found almost every year but are not numerous anywhere.
The pale whitish cap is slightly funnel-shaped, edges wavy and spores the colour of the cap. The height of the stem depends of course on the size of the mushroom as does the diameter but may reach up to 10 centimetres.
According to mycologists the mushroom is edible as young. The white fruiting body is thick and dense on closer inspection.
It may be noted that the giant funnel contains a natural anti-biotic - clitocybin. The substance has been used in tuberculosis treatment.
The mushroom often grows in circles or so called fairy rings and in the spots where the mushrooms grew only ”black soil” or bare earth where nothing grows is left the next year.
Useful to ask Kristel about this next year.
