Gymnopilus purpuratus

Gymnopilus purpuratus

Gymnopilus purpuratus is a species of mushroom belonging to the genus Gymnopilus, which is part of the family Hymenogastraceae. This species is notable for its distinctive purple coloration and its occurrence in various parts of the world, including North America and Europe. Gymnopilus purpuratus grows on wood, particularly on dead or decaying trees, making it a saprobic organism. It plays a role in the ecosystem by decomposing wood and contributing to nutrient cycling.

Description

Gymnopilus purpuratus mushrooms have caps that can range in color from a deep purple to a rusty brown as they age. The cap surface is dry and can be either smooth or slightly fibrillose. The gills are adnate to adnexed, and their color can vary from yellow to a more orange or rusty hue. The stem of the mushroom is typically the same color as the cap or slightly lighter, with a fibrillose surface. This species does not have a ring on the stem, which distinguishes it from some other Gymnopilus species.

The spore print of Gymnopilus purpuratus is a rusty orange color, which is characteristic of the Gymnopilus genus. The spores are ellipsoid in shape and have a dextrinoid reaction, meaning they stain reddish-brown when treated with Melzer's reagent.

Habitat and Distribution

Gymnopilus purpuratus is found in both deciduous and coniferous forests, where it grows saprobically on dead or decaying wood. It has been reported in various parts of North America and Europe, but its distribution may be broader, as not all occurrences are documented. The mushroom typically fruits in late summer to fall, but fruiting times can vary depending on the local climate.

Psychoactivity

Like some other species in the Gymnopilus genus, Gymnopilus purpuratus is suspected to contain psychoactive compounds, such as psilocybin. However, the presence and concentration of these compounds can vary significantly between specimens, and not all mushrooms of this species may be psychoactive. The consumption of Gymnopilus purpuratus for its psychoactive properties is not recommended due to the potential for misidentification with toxic species and the variability in psychoactive compound content.

Conservation

There is currently no specific conservation status for Gymnopilus purpuratus. However, like many fungi, its existence is dependent on the health of its habitat, particularly forests where it can find suitable substrates for growth. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving forests and natural habitats indirectly benefit the species by maintaining its living environment.

See Also

• Mushroom hunting
• Psychoactive mushroom
• Saprotrophic nutrition
• Spore print

Gymnopilus purpuratus
Mycological characteristics
	gills on hymenium
	cap is convex
	stipe is bare
	ecology is saprotrophic
	edibility: unknown