There are many miracles in our forests, one of which is a mushroom called a ram. It got its name for its unusual appearance, which in fact strongly resembles the “hair” of this pet.
What is the Latin name for "ram"? These mushrooms are called Grifola frondosa (Curly grifola).
The time of its “vegetation” is from the end of August to the end of September. However, in the southern latitudes you can find him in the forest even in mid-November. He is famous for his craving for deciduous trees, especially often growing at the foot of old oaks.
Here are just a few joys from the trees themselves: the ram (these mushrooms, by the way, are delicious) grows very quickly, causing numerous diseases of the wood. Most often, white rot occurs.
But the mass of the mushroom body is striking: especially large weigh 10 kilograms! It should be noted that this is not one large formation, but multiple wave-like hats, the long legs of which extend from one base. Up to 80 shoots can have one such "ram"!
These mushrooms are edible and even tasty (as we have already said), but they should be placed in a frying pan only at a very young age.
By the way, biologists insist that their name is not too true. If you ever saw corals at least once in your life, then you would agree that the name “mushroom-coral” would suit him much more. In addition, you can notice a similarity with a head of cauliflower, the structure of which is almost similar.
You are forced to disappoint: if you go to the forest with the hope of personally seeing a ram mushroom, you should be mentally prepared for a long and completely fruitless search. This amazing representative of mushroom breed is not without reason included in the Red Book. You can see it only occasionally.
In addition, the period of its growth is extremely variable. Even if in one year the forest was full of “sheep”, then the next season may be completely empty.
If you are determined to see this miracle of nature with your own eyes, then you need to know at least approximately those places where the ram most often grows. These mushrooms can be found on the stumps of deciduous trees.
We already wrote that he “respects” oak, but develops well on linden and maple wood. If the tree is weak and sick, he can choose his place of residence and him.
In this regard, I would like to say that mushrooms, which are similar to it, are often called “rams”. So, Curly Sparassis, which is sometimes called "mushroom cabbage", is very similar in appearance, but grows only on hemp conifers.
However, they are all at least similar in that they are listed in the Red Book. Of course, there are few reasons for pride. This is due to the excellent nutritional qualities of the “lamb”. It can be salted, pickled and dried, and also eaten raw. But curly griffin becomes a real delicacy, being stewed in sour cream.
Thus, the “ram” mushroom (the photo of which is in the article), being an original and very interesting species, was on the verge of extinction, therefore it is not necessary to collect it, but it is better only to photograph it.
