''Gymnopus dryophilus'' is a species of mushroom, until recently most frequently known as ''Collybia dryophila''. It belongs to section ''Levipedes'' of the genus, being characterized by a smooth stipe (mycology), stem having no hairs at the base (in contrast to section ''Vestipedes''). The species is commonly found in temperateness, temperate woodlands of Europe and North America. It is generally saprophytic, but occasionally also attacks living wood. The caps have been considered Edible mushroom, edible but can cause severe gastrointestinal issues.

Description

The Pileus (mycology), cap is in diameter, convex, and reddish-brown to ochre (fading to tan with dryness); they become more irregular in shape with age. The Lamella (mycology), gills, which are only thinly attached to the stem (detaching with age), are whitish and crowded. The spore print, spore powder is white; the buff Basidiospore, spores do not react in Melzer's reagent. The bald Stipe (mycology), stem ranges from long by 3–6 mm in diameter, sometimes thicker at the base.Courtecuisse, R. & Duhem, B. (1994) "Guide des champignons de France et d'Europe" Delachaux et Niestlé , also available in EnglishMarcel Bon: ''The Mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain and North-Western Europe'' Hodder & Stoughton . The taste is palatable. Microscopically the spores are 6×3 μm in size and slightly tear-shaped, there are lobed club-shaped cystidia (15–50 μm × 2–6 μm), and the hyphae on the cap cuticle can also have lobes. It is contended that ''G. dryophilus'' in fact consists of a species complex, complex of different species and that several new species (including ''G. brunneolus'', ''G. earleae'' and ''G. subsulphureus'') should be split off from it. However these species are not generally recognized at present. The species may carry the parasite ''Syzygospora mycetophila'', which causes pale growths on the mushroom surface.

Similar species

Outside of its genus, it may resemble ''Marasmius strictipes''. Additionally, ''Rhodocollybia butyracea'' has a pinkish spore deposit, and some of the spores turn reddish-brown in Melzer's reagent.

Distribution and habitat

This fungus is very common in Northern Hemisphere temperate woodlands (so much so that it is sometimes considered a "weed" mushroom).Kuo, M. (2008, May)
''Gymnopus dryophilus''
at the MushroomExpert.Com Web site) It fruits from April to December and is often seen when there are few other fungi in evidence. Although the Greek language, Greek specific name (botany), epithet ''dryophilus'' means "lover of oak trees", it is also found with other broad-leaved trees and with conifers. Grows in arcs and fairy rings in oak and pine woods, or as clusters on wood chip mulch from May to October.

Edibility

The species contains toxins which may cause severe gastrointestinal issues. However, it has been listed as edible mushroom, edible by some sources, though not worthwhile. It is recommended not to eat the stem, which is tough. It has been found to contain anti-inflammatory beta-glucans.Pacheco-Sanchez M, Boutin Y, Angers P, Gosselin A, Tweddell RJ. (2006). A bioactive (1→3)-, (1→4)-β-D-glucan from ''Collybia dryophila'' and other mushrooms. ''Mycologia''. 98(2): 180-5. The mushroom has a sweet nutty flavor and should not be eaten in contaminated places like industrial or near roads due to its capacity to take up mercury. It is edible but may cause gastrointestinal issues in some people.

References

External links

Index FungorumUSDA ARS Fungal Database
by Robert Sasata, ''Healing-Mushrooms.net'', December, 2007. *Kuo, M. (2008, May

{{Taxonbar, from=Q1663542 Fungal plant pathogens and diseases Fungi of Europe Omphalotaceae Taxa named by Jean Baptiste François Pierre Bulliard Fungus species