Gymnopilus subearlei is a specific species of mushroom within the Gymnopilus genus, a group of fungi known for their rusty-orange spore prints. This particular mushroom forms distinct fruiting bodies and is generally found growing on wood. It exhibits a brownish-orange, gilled appearance, characteristic of many species within its genus.
Identifying Gymnopilus subearlei
The cap of Gymnopilus subearlei typically appears bright yellow to a pale off-white yellow, often adorned with amber fibrous scales. It is convex in shape and can range from 0.25 to 1.25 inches in diameter.
The gills attach to the stem in an adnexed or adnate manner. While specific gill coloration for G. subearlei is not consistently detailed, Gymnopilus species generally feature gills that are yellowish and may develop rusty brown tones as they mature. The spacing of these gills can vary, but they are typically present in a crowded arrangement.
The stem of Gymnopilus subearlei is slender, measuring approximately 0.25 to 2 inches long and 0.06 to 0.25 inches thick. It presents a white, fibrous appearance and is notable for staining yellow to brown when handled. There is no prominent ring or persistent veil remnants typically observed on its stem.
A crucial identification feature for this species is its spore print, which is described as yellowish-orange. This color is consistent with the broader Gymnopilus genus, whose spore prints are typically orange to rusty brown.
The flesh of Gymnopilus subearlei is reported to stain blue upon bruising or cutting. While no distinct odor is widely documented for this specific species, some related Gymnopilus mushrooms can exhibit a bitter taste. However, tasting wild mushrooms is not recommended for identification purposes due to potential toxicity.
Habitat and Distribution
Gymnopilus subearlei is a saprotrophic organism, meaning it obtains nutrients by decomposing organic matter. This mushroom is primarily found growing on wood, which serves as its essential substrate for growth and development. It can colonize various types of decaying wood in its natural environments.
The species is known to occur in Mexico, where it was first described in 1981. It is part of the lepidotus-subearlei infrageneric grouping within the Gymnopilus genus, indicating its phylogenetic relationship to other species. While a precise fruiting season for G. subearlei is not widely specified, many Gymnopilus species typically fruit during the summer and fall months.
Edibility and Toxicity
Gymnopilus subearlei is classified as a psychoactive mushroom because it contains psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound. Therefore, it is not considered edible and should not be consumed. The presence of psychoactive substances in this species makes it potentially harmful if ingested.
Many species within the Gymnopilus genus are known to be bitter or contain various psychoactive compounds, further emphasizing the need for caution. Even if a specific Gymnopilus species is not known to be psychoactive, consumption is not recommended without expert verification. In the context of wild mushroom foraging, the guiding principle is to avoid consumption if there is any uncertainty about identification.
Look-Alikes and Differentiation
Distinguishing Gymnopilus subearlei from other mushroom species can be challenging due to visual similarities. Several genera, including Pholiota, Cortinarius, and Galerina, contain species that might be mistaken for Gymnopilus mushrooms. Careful observation of multiple features is important to avoid misidentification.
Species within the genus Pholiota can be differentiated by their typically viscid, or slimy, caps and duller spore prints, which range from brown to cinnamon brown. Microscopically, Pholiota spores are smooth, contrasting with the warty spores characteristic of Gymnopilus.
Another differentiating feature is that Cortinarius species are mycorrhizal, meaning they grow on the ground in association with tree roots, whereas Gymnopilus species are saprotrophic and grow on wood.
Galerina species, some of which are deadly poisonous, pose a significant risk of confusion. Galerina mushrooms often have a light brown to rusty brown spore print, which can be visually distinct from the orange to rusty orange print of Gymnopilus. Macroscopically, Galerina species typically have smooth caps and thin, mealy flesh, while Gymnopilus often features a scaly or fibrous cap and firmer flesh. Additionally, Galerina spores possess a feature called a plage that is absent in Gymnopilus spores, and Galerina generally does not exhibit the blue staining seen in some psilocybin-containing mushrooms.