Pedestal or Paddenstoel

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.© ASTRON

I've always wondered if the words "pedestal" and "paddenstoel (ENG: toadstool, mushroom)" are etymologically related. I found these beautiful species in the forest near the Dwingeloo HQ. They are Scarletina Boletes (NL: heksenboleet LAT: boletus erythropus). A beautiful red pedestal carries a velvet brownish hood. This species is in principle edible after having it thoroughly cooked. I left these in the forest for others to enjoy. When they get older, the edges of the hood will curl up, leading to "a parabolic dish" in which nature shows the way how to construct radio telescopes.