The correct spelling of the mushroom species "Cortinarius Semisanguineus" might seem tricky to pronounce at first glance, but a little help from the International Phonetic Alphabet can make it easier to understand. The word 'Cortinarius' is pronounced as /kɔːtɪˈnɛəriəs/, while 'Semisanguineus' is pronounced as /sɛmɪsæŋˈɡwɪniəs/. The primary accent is placed on the second syllable of each word. So, the proper spelling of this mushroom species is 'Cortinarius Semisanguineus' (/kɔːtɪˈnɛəriəs sɛmɪsæŋˈɡwɪniəs/).
Cortinarius semisanguineus is a species of mushroom belonging to the genus Cortinarius, which is part of the family Cortinariaceae. It is commonly known as the "blood red webcap" or "half-blood webcap." This fungus is characterized by its distinct vibrant red coloration, which can range from reddish-orange to deep blood red.
The cap of Cortinarius semisanguineus typically measures between 2 to 9 centimeters in diameter and has a convex to bell-shaped appearance when young, eventually flattening out as it matures. Its surface is smooth and slightly sticky when moist, and it often develops radial grooves or striations as it ages. The stem is cylindrical, sometimes club-shaped, and can grow up to 10 centimeters in length. It usually presents a reddish-orange coloration towards the apex, fading to a paler reddish-yellow or whitish color towards the base.
This mushroom species is primarily found in mixed forests, where it forms mutualistic relationships with certain trees, particularly birch and beech. It is widespread in Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and Central Europe, but can also be found in some parts of North America. Cortinarius semisanguineus is considered edible, but caution must be exercised due to potential toxicity risks associated with this genus. It is crucial to be able to accurately identify this species and consult expert mycologists or field guides before consuming any wild mushroom.
The word "Cortinarius" originates from the Latin term "cortina", which means "curtain". This name refers to a distinctive veil-like structure known as a cortina that covers the gills of mushrooms in the Cortinarius genus.
The second part of the name, "Semisanguineus", is derived from two Latin words: "semi", which means "half", and "sanguineus", which means "blood-red". This epithet describes the color of the mushroom, which is a reddish or blood-red hue.