The red grate is an amazing representative of the cornflower mushroom family. He gained his popularity thanks to a bizarre shape and unusually bright coloring. Otherwise, the fungus is useless to humans. Moreover, the toxins contained in its cells are extremely dangerous to human health.
And yet, what do we know about this mushroom? What secrets does he hold? And for what purposes is it used by man?
Where does he grow?
The red lattice mushroom is very thermophilic, therefore it is found only in countries with a temperate warm climate. If we talk about Russia, here it can be found only in the southern regions. The reason for this is that even a slight frost can completely kill the cells of this fungus.
Red grate lives in deciduous forests, much less often in mixed or coniferous. Marshes that are thoroughly saturated with moisture and organic matter are especially suitable for him. In such conditions, it can grow almost the whole year, with the exception of the winter months.
Grid Red: Description
This type of mushroom is very difficult to confuse with anything else. And this is very pleasing, since the red grate is poisonous. Therefore, you can consider it as much as you like, but scientists strongly do not recommend picking it up.
So, outwardly, the mushroom resembles a mesh ball, sometimes a little oval in shape. The first thing that strikes the eye is its bright scarlet color, which is hard to miss even in the thickest thickets. Closer to winter, the red lattice dims and becomes more faded.
It is curious that at an early stage of development this mushroom does not yet have holes in its body. It sprouts from the earth with one solid formation, which is somewhat reminiscent of a grayish egg. After several weeks of ripening, the cocoon breaks and the mushroom itself comes out.
Initially, the shoots rush up, but then, under the weight of their own weight, they bend down, thereby forming a certain sphere. A little later, pores appear on their surface, which become larger and larger every day, until the mushroom turns into a kind of lattice.
Breeding
Like most mushrooms, the lattice red reproduces through spores. He does it quite original.
After the spores reach their maturity, changes begin in the body of the fungus. Driven by the primal instinct, cells secrete special enzymes into the air. Their smell strongly resembles that which comes from decaying flesh. Thanks to a similar aroma, the red lattice attracts the attention of all kinds of insects.
Driven by a thirst for easy money, they flock to him, like bees on honey. And as soon as they land on the edge of the fungus, hundreds of microscopic spores will settle on their body. A few minutes will pass, and the insects will fly away from the deceptive profit. However, without knowing it, together with them they will take away the seeds of the trellis, scattering them throughout the district.
Benefits and harm to humans
As mentioned earlier, red trellis is a poisonous mushroom. Therefore, it cannot be considered as a food source or medical material. Moreover, if possible, it is better to avoid contact with this representative of the plant world.
Particular care should be taken that children do not play with him. After all, even a small dose of its toxins can lead to food poisoning. And although death is extremely rare, it’s better to protect yourself from possible problems.
As for the benefits, in recent years the red grate has been used quite often as part of the landscape decoration. Its extraordinary appearance and bright color allow you to create an amazing range of contrasts, even on the smallest lawns. In such conditions, mushrooms live no more than one year, because of which they have to be regularly transplanted.
