Laura Smith
A mushroom cortina is a cobweb-like veil that covers the gills of young mushrooms. It is a defining feature of the mushroom genus Cortinarius, which is suspected to be the largest genus of agarics, with over 2,000 species. The cortina is ephemeral and usually disappears as the mushroom grows, leaving little to no trace. The presence of a cortina is a key identifier of the Cortinarius genus, which is also characterised by its rusty brown spores. However, it is important to note that not all mushrooms with a cortina are safe to consume, as some species within the Cortinarius genus are highly toxic and even lethal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A mushroom cortina is a web-like veil found on some mushrooms, particularly those in the genus Cortinarius. |
| Appearance | The cortina has a cobweb-like or curtain-like appearance and is often covered in rusty orange-brown spores. |
| Function | The cortina protects the gills of young mushrooms and usually disappears as the mushroom matures. |
| Identification | The presence of a cortina is a key feature for identifying mushrooms in the genus Cortinarius, as most species in this genus have a cortina. |
| Toxicity | Some mushrooms with cortinas, especially in the genus Cortinarius, are highly toxic and should not be consumed. |
| Examples | Cortinarius violaceus (Violet Webcap), Cortinarius austrovenetus (Dermocybe austroveneta or green skin-head), Cortinarius orellanus, and Cortinarius rubellus. |
| Habitat | Cortinarius mushrooms with cortinas are typically found on the ground, often in woodland habitats, rather than on wood. |
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What You'll Learn
- The cortina is a cobweb-like veil that covers the mushroom's gills when young
- Mushrooms with cortinas usually have rusty orange-brown spores
- The cortina is the origin of the mushroom's name
- The mushroom veil is used extensively by mushroom enthusiasts to aid identification
- Some mushrooms have both partial and universal veils
The cortina is a cobweb-like veil that covers the mushroom's gills when young
A mushroom cortina is a cobweb-like veil that covers the gills of certain mushrooms when they are young. The cortina is a defining feature of the mushroom genus Cortinarius, which is suspected to be the largest genus of agarics, containing over 2,000 species. The cortina is located between the mushroom's cap and stem, and it usually disappears as the mushroom matures, leaving little to no trace.
The cobweb-like veil serves as a protective barrier for the gills of young mushrooms. This veil is distinct from the partial veil or universal veil found in other mushroom species, which may cover the entire cap and stem during the early stages of development. The cortina is characterised by its web-like appearance and is often covered in rusty orange-brown spores.
The presence of a cortina is a key characteristic used to identify mushrooms in the genus Cortinarius. While some species in this genus lack a visible cortina, most display this feature to varying degrees. The cortina can be an important indicator of the mushroom's toxicity, as many species of Cortinarius are poisonous or even lethal.
The veil's colour can range from delicate lilac or yellow in young mushrooms to mature rusty brown or brownish-red spores. The cobweb-like structure of the cortina is also a distinctive feature, and it can be elastic and tough, breaking away from the cap as the mushroom expands. In some cases, remnants of the cortina may persist as a ring around the stem or as patches on the cap.
The cortina is an important feature for mushroom enthusiasts and mycologists to consider when identifying mushroom species. While it is not the only factor in determining a mushroom's identity, it plays a crucial role in distinguishing members of the Cortinarius genus from other types of mushrooms.
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Mushrooms with cortinas usually have rusty orange-brown spores
The rusty spores are a notable feature of the Cortinarius mushroom. The spores are described as having a rusty tint or a rusty brown colour. This colour is not always present in the mature spores, which may lose any delicate lilac or yellow colour as they mature. The rusty spores are also mentioned as a feature of the Violet Webcap mushroom, a member of the genus Cortinarius.
The cortina is also known as a universal veil, which can cover the entire cap and extend beyond the margin to form a covering around the stipe. In some cases, the universal veil may remain as a cup or volva at the base of the stipe or as patches on the cap. The veil may also be referred to as a partial veil, which covers only the gills of the mushroom. The partial veil may remain as a fringe around the edge of the cap or may be seen on the upper part of the stipe as a ring of material.
The cortina is an important feature for identifying mushrooms, especially when trying to distinguish between different genera. For example, mushrooms with rusty orange spores and a cortina growing on wood usually belong to the genus Gymnopilus. On the other hand, Cortinarius mushrooms without an obvious rusty tint to their spores may be confused with Inocybe and Hebeloma, which also grow on the ground.
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The cortina is the origin of the mushroom's name
The mushroom cortina is a cobweb-like veil that covers the gills of young mushrooms, protecting them as they grow. The cortina is particularly associated with the genus Cortinarius, commonly known as the cortinar or webcap. The veil is called a "cortina", which means "curtain" in Italian, due to its curtain-like appearance.
The cortina is a distinctive feature of the Cortinarius genus, with all species, except for a few unusual exceptions, possessing one. The veil is usually ephemeral, leaving little to no trace on the mushroom as it matures. However, sometimes, remnants of the cortina can be found on the stem or cap edge, appearing as rusty threads near the top of the stem.
The cobweb-like cortina is unique to the Cortinarius genus, setting it apart from other mushrooms that typically have a fleshy membranous partial veil. This feature is so characteristic of Cortinarius that it is the origin of the mushroom's name. The name "cortina" reflects the curtain-like nature of the veil, derived from the Italian word for curtain.
The veil serves an important function in the early development of the mushroom, protecting the gills and the ripening fertile surfaces. As the mushroom matures, the veil typically disappears, leaving only traces of its presence. However, in some cases, the veil may persist as a cup or volva at the base of the stem or as patches on the cap.
The cortina is also significant in the identification of mushrooms, particularly in the case of young specimens. Mushroom enthusiasts use the presence or absence of a cortina as one of the key characteristics to distinguish between different species of mushrooms. The colour of the cortina can also provide clues, as Cortinarius mushrooms often have a rusty orange tint to their brown spores.
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The mushroom veil is used extensively by mushroom enthusiasts to aid identification
Mushroom veils are used extensively by mushroom enthusiasts to aid identification. The veil may entirely enclose both the cap and the stem of a young mushroom and is called a universal veil. Other mushrooms may have a veil extending from the edge of the cap to the stem, so that only the gills are covered. This type of veil is called a partial veil. Many mushrooms have both partial and universal veils.
The mushroom veil is particularly useful for identifying mushrooms in the genus Cortinarius. This is a globally distributed genus of fungus in the family Cortinariaceae, commonly known as cortinar or webcap. It is suspected to be the largest genus of agarics, containing over 2,000 species. Young specimens have a cortina (veil) between the cap and the stem, hence the name. The cortina is web-like and covered in rusty orange-brown spores. The spores are often described as "rusty" or "rusty-brown".
The veil usually disappears as the mushroom grows, leaving little to no trace. However, it can be a key indicator of the mushroom's identity. For example, the Violet Webcap, Cortinarius violaceus, is a mushroom with a cortina that is quite fleeting and mature specimens usually lose the partial veil. The cobweb-like veil covers the gills when the mushroom is young, and it is advised not to eat mushrooms with this feature.
It is best to have many different samples of a mushroom, young and old, to identify it correctly. This is especially true of Cortinarius. The colour of the young gills is often one of the only distinguishing features. By the time the spores mature on the gills, any delicate lilac or yellow colour will be lost.
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Some mushrooms have both partial and universal veils
Mushroom veils are key features in mushroom taxonomy and identification. There are two main types of mushroom veils: universal veils and partial veils. Universal veils encase the entire young mushroom, acting as a protective cocoon-like membrane. The growing mushroom ruptures this veil, leaving traces at the base of the stem and on the cap, which appear as patches or warts. Partial veils extend from the cap's edge to the stem, protecting the spore-bearing surface underneath. They typically form a ring (annulus) on the stem and can be membranous or cobwebby.
Some mushrooms have both universal and partial veils, while others may have only one type or none at all. The presence, absence, or characteristics of these veils can help distinguish between different mushroom genera and species. For example, the partial veil of some mushrooms, especially those in the genus Cortinarius, is known as a cortina. The fibrous threads of the cortina catch the brown spores as they drop, resulting in fine brown streaks along the stem.
Universal veil remnants can also form a cup-like structure called a volva at the base of the mushroom. This is considered a classic indicator of a universal veil. However, the cup may collapse against the stem and become plastered to it, making it less noticeable. In some mushrooms, the universal veil may form chunks or pointy chips on the cap, which can also occur at the base of the stalk.
It is important to note that veil remnants can be washed away by rain, fade with sun exposure, or be eaten by insects. Therefore, observing mushrooms at various growth stages is crucial for accurate identification. While veils can provide clues about mushroom species, it is not recommended to consume wild mushrooms based solely on veil characteristics, as some toxic mushrooms also have veils.
In summary, some mushrooms exhibit both universal and partial veils, contributing to their identification and classification. These veils play a protective role during the early growth stages of mushrooms and leave distinctive marks and structures that aid in their recognition. However, it is important to consider other features in addition to veils when identifying mushroom species.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom cortina is a cobweb-like veil that covers the gills of certain mushrooms when they are young.
The name comes from the Latin 'cortina', meaning curtain, because of its veil-like appearance.
Mushrooms in the genus Cortinarius are most well-known for having cortinas, though some other genera also have them.
Cortina veils are usually web-like and rusty orange-brown in colour, though they can also be white. They leave remnants on the stem or cap edge of the mushroom.
Many mushrooms with cortinas are poisonous and some are even deadly, such as the Cortinarius rubellus and Cortinarius orellanus. It is advised to research a mushroom thoroughly before consuming it.
