Clitocybe nuda

Clitocybe nuda, also known as the blewit, is a species of edible mushroom that belongs to the Tricholomataceae family. It is native to Europe, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.

Description

The Clitocybe nuda is characterized by its large, convex cap which can reach up to 15 cm in diameter. The cap is initially lilac or purple, but fades to a brown or tan color as the mushroom matures. The gills are crowded and the same color as the cap. The stem is also lilac or purple, and does not have a ring.

Habitat and distribution

Clitocybe nuda is a saprotrophic fungus, meaning it obtains its nutrients from decaying organic matter. It is commonly found in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is often found growing in leaf litter or on decaying wood. It is widely distributed in Europe, and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.

Edibility

The Clitocybe nuda is considered an edible mushroom, and is often used in cooking. However, it should be noted that it can be easily confused with several poisonous species, including the deadly Cortinarius species. Therefore, it should only be consumed if positively identified by an experienced mushroom forager.

See also

• List of Clitocybe species
• Mushroom hunting
• Mushroom poisoning

References

‎