Cordyceps ophioglossoides (Tolypocladium ophioglossoides)
Systematics:
- Department: Ascomycota (Ascomycetes)
- Subdivision: Pezizomycotina (Pesizomycotins)
- Class: Sordariomycetes (Sordariomycetes)
- Subclass: Hypocreomycetidae
- Order: Hypocreales
- Family: Ophiocordycipitaceae (Ophiocordyceps)
- Genus: Tolypocladium (Tolypocladium)
- Species: Tolypocladium ophioglossoides (Cordyceps ophioglossoids)
Synonyms:
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Cordyceps ophioglossoides;
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Elaphocordyceps ophioglossoides.
Fruit body of Cordyceps ophioglossus: To the observer, Cordyceps ophioglossous is not in the form of a fruiting body, but in the form of a stroma – a clavate, flattened on the sides of a formation 4-8 cm high and 1-3 cm thick, on the surface of which tiny grow, in youth black, then whitish fruiting bodies. The stroma continues underground, at least the same size as the above-ground part, and takes root in the remains of an underground fungus of the genus Elaphomyces, also called false truffle. The underground part is colored yellow or light brown, the aboveground, as a rule, black-brown or reddish; ripening pimply perithecia can lighten it somewhat. In section, the stroma is hollow, with a yellowish fibrous pulp.
Spore powder: Whitish.
Distribution: Cordyceps ophioglossus grows from mid-August to late October in forests of various types, pursuing places of fruiting of 'truffles' of the genus Elaphomyces. With an abundance of 'hosts' it can be found in large groups. So, of course, rare.
Similar species: To confuse ophioglossum cordyceps with some geoglossum, for example, Geoglossum nigritum, is the most common thing – all these mushrooms are rare and little known to humans. Unlike geoglossum, which is represented by a normal fruiting body, the surface of the cordyceps stroma is dotted with small pimples, light (rather than black) and fibrous on the cut. Well, the 'truffle' at the bottom, of course.
Edible: No.
Remarks It would probably be hypocritical to say that cordyceps are pleasant mushrooms in all respects. Considering all the facts, there is not much charm in them. It's another matter that the ophioglossoid Cordyceps still acts here in the role of a vegetarian and a pacifist: after all, it is limited to truffles, especially false ones, which are closer to low raincoats. But still, the strange and complex life cycle of Cordyceps does not allow us to treat it like a human being, like normal mushrooms. There is something about him. Not conducive to close relationships.
Photo of the Cordyceps ophioglossus mushroom from the questions in recognition:
2018.01.23 Bykovsky Alexander
