Psathyrella piluliformis

Psathyrella piluliformis, Common Stump Brittlestem

Psathyrella piluliformis, commonly known as the common stump brittlestem, is a species of fungus belonging to the family Psathyrellaceae. This mushroom is found in Europe and North America, where it grows in clusters on the decaying wood of hardwood trees, particularly favoring the stumps of beech and oak. It is one of the many species within the genus Psathyrella, which is characterized by brittle stems and dark spores.

Description

Psathyrella piluliformis features a cap that ranges from 2 to 6 cm in diameter, initially bell-shaped before flattening out with age, often retaining a slight umbo. The cap surface is smooth and varies in color from light brown to a darker, reddish-brown, usually darker at the center and lighter towards the edges. The gills are closely spaced, starting as light gray before turning a dark purplish-brown as the spores mature. The stem is thin, ranging from 4 to 8 cm in height, and is the same color as the cap or slightly lighter, with a brittle texture that gives the genus its common name, brittlestem.

The spores of Psathyrella piluliformis are dark brown, ellipsoid in shape, and measure approximately 7-10 x 4-5 µm. This species does not have a distinctive smell or taste and is considered inedible due to its insubstantial nature and potential confusion with poisonous species.

Habitat and Distribution

Psathyrella piluliformis is saprobic, thriving on the decaying wood of hardwoods. It is commonly found in forests, woodlands, and sometimes in landscaped areas where wood debris is present. This species has a preference for the stumps and fallen branches of beech and oak but can also be found on other hardwoods. It appears from late spring to autumn, with a peak in fruiting during the wetter months of the year.

In terms of distribution, Psathyrella piluliformis is widely distributed across Europe and has been reported in various parts of North America. Its presence indicates healthy, decaying wood ecosystems, which are crucial for nutrient cycling in forest environments.

Conservation

As a species, Psathyrella piluliformis does not currently face any known significant threats. It is a common and widespread species, indicating healthy ecosystems. However, like many fungi, it could be susceptible to changes in its environment, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, which could impact its available habitat and food source.

Culinary and Medicinal Use

There is no known culinary or medicinal use of Psathyrella piluliformis. It is considered inedible due to its brittle nature and potential for confusion with toxic species. The focus with this species is primarily on its ecological role in decomposing wood and contributing to the nutrient cycle within forest ecosystems.

See Also

• Mushroom hunting
• Saprotrophic nutrition
• Decomposer