Macrocystidia cucumis

Macrocystidia cucumis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Marasmiaceae
Genus: Macrocystidia
Species: M. cucumis
Binomial name
Macrocystidia cucumis
(Pers.) Joss. (1934)
Synonyms
  • Agaricus cucumis Pers. (1796)

Macrocystidia cucumis is a common, inedible mushroom of the genus Macrocystidia, often found in large numbers on needle litter or moist soil.

Description

The cap is convex to flat, dark red to blackish brown, very much paler when dry and grows up to 5 cm (2.0 in) in diameter. The gills are white, later reddish and quite crowded. The spores are variable in colour, white, pink, brown have all been observed. The stipe is a similar colour to the cap, thin, and velvety at the base. The flesh is white and has a smell of freshly cut cucumbers.

Distribution and habitat

Macrocystidia cucumis can be found in forests, disturbed grounds and gardens throughout North America, the preferred substrate is wood debris.

References

Joss. Macrocystidia cucumis. Michael Wood & Fred Stevens.


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