Hymenopellis radicata

Hymenopellis radicata
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Agaricomycetes
Order:	Agaricales
Family:	Physalacriaceae
Genus:	Hymenopellis
Species:	H. radicata
Binomial name
Hymenopellis radicata (Relhan) Dörfelt
Synonyms
Xerula radicata Oudemansiella radicata

Hymenopellis radicata Mycological characteristics
	Gills on hymenium
	Cap is flat or umbonate
	Stipe is bare
	Spore print is white
	Ecology is saprotrophic
	Edibility is edible

Hymenopellis radicata, commonly known as the deep root mushroom, beech rooter, ^[1] or the rooting shank, is a widespread agaric readily identified by its deeply rooted stalk (stipe).

Description

The cap is medium to large, flat, grayish or yellowish brown and streaked, with a central hump and between 2.5 and 12 centimetres (1 and 4+3⁄4 in) wide. ^[1] The surface of the cap is sticky or slimy when moist, with the underside displaying wide white gills, or lamellae. The brittle stalk tapers at both ends and is nearly white above to brown below the soil. ^[2]

The stem grows into a long deeply rooting tap root until it touches a piece of wood. This may grow up to 25 cm in length in some specimens. ^{[3] [1]}

Similar species

It is similar to Oudemansiella longipes . ^[1]

Uses

The caps are reportedly edible. ^[1]

References

1. Arora, David (1986) [1979]. Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi (2nd ed.). Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press. pp. 219–220. ISBN   978-0-89815-170-1.
2. McKnight, Kent H. and McKnight, Vera B.(1987) A Field Guide to Mushrooms North America. New York, NY: Houston Mifflin Company
3. Kibby, Geoffrey (2004-04-20). Mushrooms and Fungi. London: Chrysalis Children's Books. ISBN   9781903954805.