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Volvariella speciosa (Fr.) Singer var. gloiocephala (DC.) Singer 1951

Volvariskie the gloater

Volvopluteus gloiocephalus Vizzini, Contu & Justo 2011

It grows in gardens, bare fields, among weeds, less frequently in denser vegetation and forests. Mushroom quite widespread throughout the world. The cap can grow up to 15 cm in diameter. With a distinctive darker centre halo Soft and shiny in dry weather, while in wet weather it acquires a slimy texture to which it owes its name. The colour ranges from pale white to greyish-brown with pinkish lamellae that gradually turn brown as the mushroom matures. Laboratory research and experiments on mice have shown that the mushroom contains substances with anti-cancer properties.

(Ohtsuka et al., 1973)

Because of its similarity to poisonous species of the genus amanita, needs special care when it is collected.

In Kythera this mushroom is called glistritis (Potamos, Karavas) or glistraios (Pitsinianika) and it abounds in several areas of the island in bare fields and on roadsides. In the northern part of Kythera they are cooked in yahni or fried and are considered very tasty!

However, as I mentioned above, maximum care is needed in their collection. We should never rely on simple descriptions or identification from books or the internet. If we are not absolutely sure about a species, it is best to avoid collecting and eating it.

I managed to try it thanks to my good friends Panagiotis and Tasos Souris, who are experienced mushroom pickers and are happy to share their knowledge!

Thanks also to Kostas Kalligeros who told me how he used to pick mushrooms when he was a boy in Pitsinianika and informed me about the local name in Mesa Dimos.

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