Mushrooms as our values

On Saturday, I will continue my series of "running mushroom" presentations in Póstelek. "On what tree does the mushroom grow?" This is the title of the presentation. I have selected twenty local mushrooms to show the mushroom season and typical habitats. The slate bolete Leccinum duriusculum is an important fungus for several reasons. On the one hand, it is a very good, edible mushroom, and on the other hand, it is a character species of the landscape. The white poplar Populus alba is a native tree species. Its natural groves are reminiscent of the water-rich landscapes of ancient times. It was in such a grove in the autumn of 2007 that I first found the mushroom partner of the poplar tree. A very nice memory.

The poplar fieldcap Cyclocybe cylindracea is very fond of dead poplar trees. Its habitat photo is very typical of its appearance. I took this photo on 21 November 2020. The poplar fieldcap is a Mediterranean newcomer, warm-loving and grows from April onwards, as long as the weather is good and there is enough water. We eat your cap. Characteristic smell, good taste. Also an excellent edible mushroom like slate bolete. So here are two good mushrooms that are common in Békés County. In fact, both can be found in the green areas of Békéscsaba. We have transformed the original landscape because we need to grow crops for ourselves and our livestock. We have cultivated and ploughed almost all the land. The fungi are adapting. The truth is we are still in nature, we have just imposed our needs too much.

The semifree morel Morchella semilibera is the other species of fungi found in our groves in April. However, I took this picture in the city on 21 April 2021 in a housing estate. (Morchella vulgaris also lives in the same place.) The morels are common in Békés County, but the winter-spring weather is critical for them and they are very good at hiding. So they're not easy to find, but in wet enough springs they can be found in many places and are a joy to collect. Spring just is good for a few mushrooms. However, it's not hopeless to fill your basket with one of the spring mushrooms. As you can see, they also grow in the city. However, it is better to collect the fungi in a less polluted place. Or take it down from the tree at a height that peeing dogs can't reach.

The chicken of the woods Laetiporus sulphureus is very distinctive in colour, appearance, smell, taste and texture. (The blue colour indicates that the mushroom needs to be cooked more thoroughly or, depending on individual sensitivity, may cause complaints. It is best to try only small amounts of these at first.) The chicken of the woods in its tender state is best as shown in the picture. Of course, it must be cooked thoroughly. A really special mushroom. Texture like chicken breast meat. Unfortunately, it is a parasite of trees. It can occur in staggering numbers on old willows. It also attacks poplar trees. But I've also seen it on oak.

The jelly ear Auricularia auricula-judae is the only edible mushroom that can grow all year round if there is no hard frost and the landscape is very wet. Its scientific name refers to its favourite food, black elder Sambucus nigra. (In Békés county you can find black elder everywhere, which is a medicinal herb, its flowers and fruits can be used as well. Although its fruit must be cooked and all green parts are slightly poisonous.) The jelly ear is also where the elder is. However, it also breaks down other soft woods. So it is also found on poplar trees.
These five out of twenty mushrooms are very representative of a particular habitat, such as a poplar grove. But there are many more fungi in our former wet forest habitat, where poplars, willows and alder trees used to live. Unfortunately, agricultural production has destroyed many of our natural assets. Fortunately for us, mushrooms are true survivors. The other fifteen fungi are also common and typical in Békés county. It will be instructive to get to know them and to discover the landscape and nature through them.