A rare mushroom for Belarus, Hericium erinaceus, popularly known as “grandfather’s beard,” was discovered in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha.
Scientific name: Hericium erinaceus Pers. The unusual mushroom looks like a waterfall or a beard (hence the popular name).
The discovery was made during the current autumn field season, the National Park press service reported.
Such mushrooms were previously found extremely rarely – “you can literally count them on your fingers.” All finds were made in the territory of Belovezhskaya Pushcha.
The mushroom was first discovered in 1967, the next time – in 2016. And this year it was noticed in three places in the forest at once.
Speaking about the unique appearance of the mushroom, the press service drew attention to its fleshy, round fruiting body, strewn with thorns resembling hair.
It looks like this "hair" is flowing like a waterfall.
They also look somewhat like a beard, which is why people call the mushroom “grandfather’s beard” (they also call it “lion’s mane”).
Another name, hedgehog mushroom, is also associated with the structure of the hymenophore, which has the appearance of spines and resembles a hedgehog, the National Park reported.
Please note: this mushroom is very demanding in terms of growing conditions (humidity, temperature, dead wood).
Hericium prefers to grow on oak or hornbeam, and is sometimes found on weakened, still living trees, the report says.
Since the mushroom is extremely rare for Belarus, experts consider it appropriate to include it in the Red Book.
