Psathyrella spadicea

2014-05-03 Psathyrella spadicea (Schaeff.) Singer 418747

Psathyrella spadicea is a species of mushroom belonging to the genus Psathyrella. It is part of the family Psathyrellaceae, which comprises a large variety of gilled mushrooms primarily characterized by their brittle stems and dark spores. Psathyrella spadicea, like other members of its genus, is often found growing on wood or in wood-rich environments, showcasing the saprotrophic nature of these fungi, where they play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter.

Description

Psathyrella spadicea mushrooms are recognized by their conical to bell-shaped caps, which can range in color from a dark brown to a more reddish-brown hue as they mature. The cap surface is smooth and can become somewhat sticky when wet. These mushrooms typically have a cap diameter of 2 to 5 cm. The gills are closely spaced, starting out light in color and becoming dark brown to almost black as the spores mature. The stem of Psathyrella spadicea is slender, ranging from 4 to 8 cm in height, and bears no ring. The flesh of the mushroom is thin and fragile, consistent with many species within the Psathyrella genus.

Habitat and Distribution

Psathyrella spadicea is commonly found in North America and Europe, thriving in deciduous and mixed forests. It prefers moist environments, often emerging from the soil rich in decaying wood material during the spring and autumn months. This species is saprotrophic, feeding on dead organic matter, which makes it an important component of the ecosystem for nutrient cycling.

Edibility

The edibility of Psathyrella spadicea is not well-documented, and like many Psathyrella species, it is generally considered not worth eating due to its small size and insubstantial flesh. Additionally, the identification of Psathyrella species can be challenging due to their morphological similarities with several other genera, some of which contain poisonous species. Therefore, foraging for Psathyrella spadicea for culinary purposes is not recommended without expert guidance.

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of Psathyrella spadicea, as with many fungi, is subject to ongoing research and reclassification. The genus Psathyrella itself is a complex group, with molecular studies frequently leading to the reevaluation of species boundaries and relationships within the family Psathyrellaceae.

Conservation

There are no specific conservation concerns for Psathyrella spadicea at present. It is relatively widespread and does not appear to be under threat. However, like all fungi, its populations are dependent on the health of its habitat, particularly the availability of decaying wood for nutrition.