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Dung roundhead

Protostropharia semiglobata

A species of Protostropharia, Also known as Halfglobe mushroom

The dung roundhead (Protostropharia semiglobata) is named for its two distinguishing features. First, this mushroom is often found growing in or near dung, and so it is a common sight in grazed fields or agricultural areas. The "roundhead" is a reference to the species' smooth and almost perfectly half-spherical cap (the scientific name, "semiglobata", is also a reference to this). Dung roundheads have a global distribution.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 4 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy, not distinctive.

General Info About Dung roundhead

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Attributes of Dung roundhead

Cap Diameter

2 - 4 cm

Height

5 - 10 cm

Cap

hemispherical; smooth, sticky when damp;yellow, ocher

Cap Shape

Convex, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Adnate, decurrent; grayish, purple, brown

Gill Attachment

Notched

Stem

Stem 3 - 12 cm long by 2 - 5 mm thick; slender, bulbous base; whitish, ocher; smooth; covered with hairs

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

5 mm thick, thin at the margin; soft; watery-cream-yellow

Ring

Mid to upper portion of the stem; annular zone; fragile, delicate

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Dark purple-brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy, not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On animal dung

You can find Dung roundhead by these plants:

Spruces, European beech

Occurence Habitats

Meadows

Species Status

Common and widespread

Endangered Species

How to Identify Dung roundhead

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Dung roundhead

Dung roundhead occurs in pastures, grazed heaths, and other freshly manured grassy areas. It grows exclusively on horse or cow dung.

Distribution Area of Dung roundhead

North America,Europe,North Africa,Central and South America,northern Asia,Australia,New Zealand

Hunting Values of Dung roundhead

Its edibility is contentious, most believe it is inedible.

Uses of Dung roundhead

Dung roundhead is recognized as a 'Questionable Edible' mushroom, implying potential risks if consumed. Its practical applications are limited due to its ambiguous edibility status. Collectors should exercise caution, as it's not a popular choice for culinary use. The value of dung roundhead lies more in ecological contribution than human consumption. It's essential to consult experts before considering use, to mitigate health hazards.

Scientific Classification of Dung roundhead

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Strophariaceae

Genus

Protostropharia

Toxicity and Edibility of Dung roundhead

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Is Dung roundhead Toxic?

If you find yourself meandering through a pasture and come across a dung roundhead, it's best to leave it alone and snack on something else instead. If ingested, the dung roundhead can cause an array of serious symptoms, from nausea and dizziness to visual problems, seizures, and panic attacks.

Similar Species to Dung roundhead

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Dung-loving deconica

Similar Species

Dung roundhead

How to Differentiate Between Dung-loving deconica and Dung roundhead?

Dung roundhead: A noticeable ring or ring zone is often present on the stem.

Dung-loving deconica: Lacks a prominent ring on the stem.

Mower's mushroom

Similar Species

Dung roundhead

How to Differentiate Between Mower's mushroom and Dung roundhead?

Dung roundhead: Cap is typically smooth and shiny.

Mower's mushroom: Cap generally has a more fibrous texture.

Dung roundhead: A noticeable ring or ring zone is often present on the stem.

Mower's mushroom: Lacks a prominent ring on the stem.

Tips for Finding Dung roundhead

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When is the Best Time to Find Dung roundhead

Search for dung roundhead after a rainy period, particularly during late summer and autumn. These mushrooms thrive in mild weather conditions, when the air is moist and the temperatures are not too hot.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Dung roundhead

Rich, dung-enriched soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Dung roundhead

Search in open fields or pastures where livestock are present, as dung roundhead are often found near dung.
Focus on areas where dung has been undisturbed for a while, allowing for decomposition and fungal growth.
Inspect the vicinity of fresh dung as well, but prioritize spots with older, partially decomposed matter.
Move slowly and look closely; dung roundhead can be small and blend in with their surroundings.
Gently probe the manure and adjacent soil to reveal any hidden dung roundhead that may be growing underneath the surface.

How to Clean and Preserve Dung roundhead

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How to Clean Dung roundhead

To clean dung roundhead, use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove soil and debris. If necessary, briefly and lightly rinse with water, ensuring minimal moisture exposure to maintain dung roundhead's integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Dung roundhead

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers, in cool, dark, low-humidity conditions, with minimal air exposure.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient for species with higher water content, ensuring consistent drying.

Oven drying: Set at low heat, provides a controlled environment, suitable for quick dehydration.

Air drying: Natural method, ideal for smaller batches, requires dry, well-ventilated area.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Dung roundhead

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief submersion in boiling water, then ice bath, before freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Dung roundhead

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Original Packaging Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows adequate air circulation to prevent moisture buildup; practical for short-term storage.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Slightly ventilated to maintain humidity while allowing some air exchange; helps prevent drying out.

Cardboard Box Storage: Absorbs excess moisture and allows breathing; suitable for species that are not too moist.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrapping mushrooms in a damp cloth helps prevent dehydration; ensure the cloth is not too wet.

Original Packaging Storage: If sold in a container, keeping them in it might balance moisture levels; useful for commercial packaging.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Dung roundhead

Egghead mottlegill

Panaeolus semiovatus

Questionable stropharia

Stropharia ambigua

Dung-loving deconica

Deconica coprophila