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Sandy geopore, Lachnea arenosa, Scutellinia arenosa is a marsupial mushroom that belongs to the Pyronem family. It was first described in 1881 by the German mycologist Leopold Fuckel and has long been called Peziza arenosa. It is considered rare. The common name Geopora arenosa was given to it in 1978 and published by the Biological Society of Pakistan.
What does a sandy geopore look like?
This mushroom is characterized by an unusual structure of the fruiting body, since it lacks a stem. The upper part at the initial stage of growth has a hemispherical shape and is completely underground. With further development, the cap becomes domed and comes out to the surface of the soil, but not completely, but only half. When the sandy geopore matures, the upper part is torn and forms from three to eight triangular blades. In this case, the mushroom does not flatten, but retains its goblet shape. Therefore, many novice mushroom pickers can mistake him for the mink of some kind of animal.
The inner surface of the mushroom is smooth, its shade can vary from light gray to ocher. On the outside of the fruiting body, there are short wavy villi, often branched at the end. Therefore, when reaching the surface, grains of sand and plant debris are retained in them. Above the mushroom is yellowish brown.
The diameter of the upper part of the sandy geopore does not exceed 1-3 cm when fully opened, which is much less than that of other representatives of this family. And the fruit body grows in height no more than 2 cm.
Sandy geopore develops underground for several months before reaching the surface
The pulp is dense, but with little exposure it breaks easily. Its color is whitish-gray; upon contact with air, the shade remains. It does not have a pronounced smell.
Hymenium is located on the inside of the fruiting body. Spores are smooth, elliptical, colorless. Each of them contains 1-2 large drops of oil and several small ones. They are located in 8 spore bags and are located in one row. Their size is 10.5-12 * 19.5-21 microns.
Sandy geopore from pine can be distinguished only in laboratory conditions, since in the latter the spores are much larger
Where sandy geopora grows
It grows year-round in the presence of favorable conditions for the development of mycelium. But you can see the opened fruit bodies on the surface from the beginning of September to the end of November.
This type of geopore prefers sandy soil, and also grows on burnt-out areas, sand and gravel paths in old parks and near water bodies that are formed as a result of sand mining. This species is widespread in the Crimea, as well as in the central and southern parts of Europe.
Sandy geopore grows mainly in small groups of 2-4 specimens, but also occurs singly.
Is it possible to eat a sandy geopore
This species is classified as inedible. It is impossible to use sandy geopore either fresh or processed.
Given the rarity and insignificant amount of pulp, which does not represent any nutritional value, it would be irresponsible to collect even out of idle interest.
Conclusion
Sandy geopore is a goblet mushroom, the properties of which are not fully understood due to its small number. Therefore, with a successful find, in no case should you pluck it or try to pull it out. This is the only way to preserve this rare species and give it the opportunity to leave behind offspring.
