Clitopilus prunulus

[Basidiomycetes > Agaricales > Entolomataceae > Clitopilus . . . ]

by Michael Kuo

The identifying features of Clitopilus prunulus include:

• A pink to salmon-colored spore print;
• A whitish to grayish cap with a dry, finely suedelike surface (or a slimy surface, in var. orcellus) and, often, a wavy margin;
• Gills that run down the stem and are pinkish at maturity;
• Mealy odor and taste;
• Spores that are pointed-elliptical and ridged lengthwise.

Clitopilus prunulus is sometimes called the "Sweetbread Mushroom," or "The Miller"--references to the mealy odor. I have a strongly negative reaction to mealy mushrooms. The smell, labeled "farinaceous" in Mycologese, is sometimes compared to the smell of an old grain mill, or of watermelon rind.

Description:

Ecology: Saprobic; growing alone, scattered, or gregariously under hardwoods or conifers, in grassy areas and open woods; summer and fall, or in winter in warmer climates; widely distributed in North America.

Cap: 3-12 cm; convex with a somewhat inrolled margin, becoming flat or irregular, often with a wavy margin; dry; finely suedelike; white, buff, or pale grayish.

Gills: Running down the stem; close or almost distant; whitish at first, then pinkish.

Stem: 3-8 cm long; up to 1.5 cm thick; sometimes off-center; equal; solid; smooth; dry; white or pale grayish.

Flesh: Fairly firm; white.

Odor and Taste: Strongly mealy.

Spore Print: Pink or salmon colored.

Microscopic Features: Spores 9-12 x 4-7 µ; elliptical with pinched ends (like long footballs); ridged lengthwise; angular when viewed from the end.

REFERENCES: (Scopoli, 1772) Kummer, 1871. (Fries, 1821; Saccardo, 1887; Kauffman, 1918; Smith, 1975; Smith, Smith & Weber, 1979; Arora, 1986; Phillips, 1991/2005; Lincoff, 1992; Barron, 1999; Roody, 2003; McNeil, 2006; Miller & Miller, 2006; Kuo, 2007.) Herb. Kuo 08050401, 06290705.

Further Online Information:

Clitopilus prunulus (apparently var. orcellus) at MykoWeb
Clitopilus prunulus at Roger's Mushrooms

Once considered a distinct species (Clitopilus orcellus), this variety differs in having a slimy cap and stark white colors.

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Cite this page as:

Kuo, M. (2004, August). Clitopilus prunulus. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/clitopilus_prunulus.html