Pholiotina rugosa

Pholiotina rugosa is a species of fungus belonging to the family Bolbitiaceae. It is a small mushroom that is often found growing in clusters on decaying wood or in rich soil, particularly in forested areas. The species is known for its distinctive features, including a conical to bell-shaped cap, which can range in color from pale brown to a darker rusty brown. The cap surface is typically smooth and can become wrinkly or grooved with age, leading to the specific epithet rugosa, which means wrinkled.

Description

The cap of Pholiotina rugosa typically measures 1 to 3 cm in diameter and is initially conical before expanding to bell-shaped or broadly convex in maturity. The cap color varies from pale to rusty brown, often darker at the center. The gills are attached or slightly descending, close, and initially light in color before turning a darker brown as the spores mature. The stem is slender, ranging from 2 to 6 cm in height, and bears a fragile, ring-like structure known as an annulus, which is a remnant of the partial veil that initially covers the gills.

The spore print of Pholiotina rugosa is brown, and its spores are smooth, ellipsoid, and possess a germ pore. This feature is significant for identification, as it differentiates Pholiotina rugosa from similar species.

Habitat and Distribution

Pholiotina rugosa is saprobic, meaning it feeds on decaying organic matter. It is commonly found in temperate regions across the globe, thriving in forests, gardens, and other areas rich in organic material. This species tends to appear in the late summer to fall, growing in clusters or troops on the decaying wood of hardwoods and sometimes on the ground in rich, woody debris.

Toxicity

It is important to note that Pholiotina rugosa contains potent toxins, including amatoxins, which are also found in some species of the genus Amanita. These toxins can cause severe liver and kidney damage if ingested, and there is no known antidote. Symptoms of poisoning can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and eventually lead to more severe complications such as liver failure. Due to its small size and resemblance to other non-toxic mushrooms, Pholiotina rugosa poses a significant risk of accidental poisoning.

See Also

• Mushroom poisoning
• Mycology
• Saprotrophic nutrition