Grate red: description, habitat and role in human life

The lattice red is an amazing representative of the family of cornflower mushrooms. His popularity, he acquired through a bizarre shape and unusually bright coloring. In the rest, 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 fungus? What secrets does he hide? And for what purposes is it used by man?

Where does it grow?

Mushroom lattice red is very thermophilic, so it is found only in countries with a mildly 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 light frost can completely kill the cells of this fungus.

Grate red resides in deciduous forests, where less often in mixed or coniferous. Especially well suited for it are swampy places, thoroughly saturated with moisture and organic. In such conditions, it can grow almost the whole year, except for the winter months.

Grate red: description

This kind of mushroom is very difficult to confuse with anything else. And this is very pleasing, since the lattice red is poisonous. Therefore, you can consider it as much as you like, but scientists do not recommend taking it in hand.

So, outwardly the mushroom resembles a mesh ball, sometimes a little oval. The first thing in the eye rushes its bright scarlet color, which is difficult not to notice even in the thickest thickets. Closer to winter the grate red dushes and becomes more faded.

It is curious that at an early stage of development this fungus does not yet have holes in its body. From the ground, it sprouts one whole formation, which in some ways resembles a grayish egg. After several weeks of maturation, the cocoon bursts and the mushroom comes out.

Initially, the shoots rush upward, but then, under the weight of their own weight, they bend downward, thereby forming a certain sphere. A little later on their surface appear pores, which every day become more and more, until the fungus will not turn into a kind of lattice.

Reproduction

Like most fungi, the red lattice reproduces by spores. He does it quite original.

After the spores reach their maturity, changes begin in the body of the fungus. Guided by the primordial instinct of the cell, special enzymes are released into the air. Their smell strongly resembles the one that comes from decaying flesh. Thanks to this aroma, the red grill attracts the attention of various insects.

Driven by a thirst for easy profit, they flock to him, like bees on honey. And they only need to land on the edge of the fungus, as hundreds of microscopic spores settle on their body. A few minutes will pass, and the insects will fly away from deceptive profit. However, without knowing it, together with them they will carry away the seeds of the lattice, dispelling them all around the area.

Benefit and harm to man

As stated earlier, the red lattice is a poisonous fungus. Therefore, it can not be regarded as a source of food or medicinal material. Moreover, whenever possible, it is better to avoid contact with this representative of the plant world.

Particular care should be taken not to play with children. After all, even a small dose of its toxins can lead to food poisoning. And although the death rate is extremely rare, it is better to protect yourself from possible problems.

As for the benefits, in recent years the red lattice has been used quite often as part of landscape scenery. Its extraordinary appearance and bright color make it possible to create an amazing range of contrasts, even on the smallest lawns. In such conditions, fungi live no longer than one year, because of what they have to regularly transplant.

On the verge of extinction

It so happened that in recent decades the number of these fungi has decreased significantly. The reason for this was extensive deforestation and expansion of the boundaries of cities. Fortunately, the Red Book has recently taken up the protection of representatives of this family. The lattice red, although not completely salvaged, was given another chance to survive.

Therefore, after seeing this wonderful creation of nature, it is not worth treacherously trampling it. Remember, your actions can lead to undesirable consequences, many of which can not be changed already.