Leucopaxillus albissimus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Leucopaxillus albissimus | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Agaricales |
| Family: | Tricholomataceae |
| Genus: | Leucopaxillus |
| Species: | L. albissimus |
| Binomial name | |
| Leucopaxillus albissimus | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Leucopaxillus albissimus | |
|---|---|
 | Gills on hymenium |
 | Cap is convex or flat |
 | Hymenium is decurrent |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Spore print is white |
 | Ecology is saprotrophic |
 | Edibility is inedible |
Leucopaxillus albissimus, commonly known as the large white leucopaxillus,[1] is a species of mushroom that lives as a saprobe, decaying the litter under coniferous trees. It produces a large white fruiting body that is unusually resistant to decay. It is considered inedible.
Similar species
The species is generally white, with albissimus meaning 'whitest' in Latin.[2]
The cap is 4–20 centimetres (1+1⁄2–8 in) wide, exceptionally up to 40 cm,[1] and slowly changes from convex to plane; occasionally the disc is depressed. When young, the margin is incurved and faintly striate. The cap's surface is dry, unpolished, and smooth; in moderate weather, it becomes scaled and a shade of cream to cream-buff.[3] As it ages, the cap's surface turns buff-tan. Overall, the flesh is white, moderately thick, and has a mild odor.[4]
The gills are crowded, broad, and decurrent. Although they are originally cream-colored, the gills turn buff-tan with age.[1] Varying from 3–7 cm in length, the stipe is 2.5–4 cm thick, stout, and often enlarged at the base. The surface of the stipe varies from smooth to finely-scaled and is a cream color when young; it may turn buff-tan in age. When handled, it bruises pale buff-brown at the base.[5]
The spore print is white. The elliptical spores are ornamented with amyloid warts. The spores measure 5–7 x 3.5–5 μm.[6]
The species demonstrates a tendency not to rot, with the biological reason for this unknown.[2][7][8]
Spores
Leucopaxillus gentianeus is closely related. Clitocybe species may appear similar due to the decurrent gills.[9]