Deconica semiinconspicua

Deconica semiinconspicua is a mushroom native to the state of Washington in the United States. The mushroom is small, rare, difficult to see and, according to Guzmán and Trappe (2005), stains blue where damaged.^[2] However, Ramírez-Cruz et al. (2012) state that it is "without a really observable bluing reaction". ^[1] It was described as a psychoactive species of Psilocybe in section Semilanceatae, but Ramírez-Cruz et al. (2012) found that its macroscopic and microscopic morphological features and its DNA sequence, which Ramírez-Cruz et al. did not publish, were a better match for Deconica.^[1] Ramírez-Cruz et al. (2012) also stated that it is very similar to Deconica montana.^[1] It can be mistaken for Psilocybe silvatica and can be distinguished by its more conic cap, narrower spores and narrower cheilocystidia.^[2]

This mushroom is only known from the type locality where it was found on July 22nd 1987 at Glacier Peak Wilderness Area in Wentachee National Forest, Washington, USA.^[2]

Description

Cap

The cap is 7–12 mm and convex, becoming nearly plane in age. It is hygrophanous, has a smooth surface, and is olive black when moist, fading to brownish orange or dark reddish brown as it dries.^[2]

Gills

The gills are Adnate light grayish brown at first, turning dark purple as the spores mature.^[2]

Spores

Deconica semiinconspicua spores are 8–10 x 5–7 µm, subovoid to ellipsoid, thick-walled, and yellowish brown to dark purple brown in deposit.^[2]

Stipe

The stipe is 15–20 x 2 mm, hollow, has an equal width, and is white with whitish or brownish floccose scales, drying to a reddish brown. It stains blue near the base according to Guzmán and Trappe (2005).^[2] Ramírez-Cruz et al. (2012) state that it is "without a really observable bluing reaction". ^[1]

Microscopic features

The basidia of Deconica semiinconspicua have four spores each. The cheilocystidia are sublageniform and 24–30 x 6–8 µm. No pleurocystidia have been observed. Clamp connections are present.

Habitat

Deconica semiinconspicua is gregarious in small groups among shrubs on a creek bank.^[2]

References