Hebeloma crustuliniforme

Hebeloma crustuliniforme
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Agaricomycetes
Order:	Agaricales
Family:	Hymenogastraceae
Genus:	Hebeloma
Species:	H. crustuliniforme
Binomial name
Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull. ex St. Amans.) Quél.

Hebeloma crustuliniforme Mycological characteristics
	Gills on hymenium
	Cap is umbonate
	Hymenium is adnate
	Stipe is bare
	Spore print is brown
	Ecology is mycorrhizal
	Edibility is poisonous

Hebeloma crustuliniforme, commonly known as poison pie or fairy cakes, is a gilled mushroom of the genus Hebeloma . It is found in both the Old and New World and is poisonous.

Taxonomy

The species' specific name derives from the Latin crustulum ('little biscuit').

Description

The buff-to-beige cap is 3–11 centimetres (1+1⁄4–4+1⁄4 inches) in diameter, convex then umbonate with an uplifted margin in age. ^[1] The gills are crowded, adnate or notched, initially pale but browning with age, and beaded with droplets in moist conditions. ^[1] The stipe is 4–13 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm (1⁄4–1⁄2 in) thick, ^[1] with a wider base ^[2] and no ring. The thick flesh is white and has a radish-like smell and bitter taste. ^{[1] [3]}

The spores are brown, elliptical, and somewhat rough. ^[2]

Similar species

Similar species include Hebeloma sinapizans and H. insigne. ^[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species has been found in 18 countries, including most parts of Europe, both coasts of North America, and less frequently in Victoria, Australia. ^[4]

A common mushroom, it be found in open woodland and heathland in summer and autumn, though may also be found in winter in places with milder climates such as California. ^[5] According to David Arora, it is "by far" the most common Hebeloma found in California. ^[1]

Toxicity

This fungus is poisonous, ^{[6] [7]} causing mild to severe gastrointestinal upset, ^[1] including vomiting, diarrhea, and colicky abdominal pain several hours after consumption. ^[8]

References

1. Arora, David (1986) [1979]. Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi (2nd ed.). Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press. pp. 464–65. ISBN   978-0-89815-170-1.
2. Davis, R. Michael; Sommer, Robert; Menge, John A. (2012). Field Guide to Mushrooms of Western North America. Berkeley: University of California Press. pp. 239–240. ISBN   978-0-520-95360-4. OCLC   797915861.
3. Phillips R (1985). Mushrooms of Great Britain and Europe. Pan Books. ISBN   0-330-26441-9.
4. "Hebeloma crustuliniforme" . Retrieved 2022-12-09.
5. Phillips R (1991). Mushrooms of North America. Little, Brown & Co. ISBN.
6. Phillips, Roger (2010). Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books. p. 206. ISBN   978-1-55407-651-2.
7. Nilsson, S. & Persson, O. (1977) Fungi of Northern Europe 2: Gill Fungi. Penguin Books.
8. North, Pamela (1967). Poisonous Plants and Fungi in colour. Blandford Press & Pharmacological Society of Great Britain.