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Mushroom Monday: Marasmiellus candidus
Small in size but full of quiet character, Marasmiellus candidus is a delicate mushroom that grows from forest debris in North America. Though easily overlooked, it has several distinct features that make it worth noticing.
Appearance and Size
The cap of Marasmiellus candidus is white and may be somewhat translucent. It starts out convex but broadens with age. This thin, dry, and hairless cap measures roughly ¼ inch to 0.7 inches across and breaks easily. As the mushroom matures, faint lines can appear on the cap, radiating outward from the center.
The gills beneath the cap are spaced apart and run along the stem. Toward the edge of the cap, the gills can resemble veins. They are white when young and gradually take on a pink color as the mushroom ages.
Stem and Base Features
The stem is small—about a quarter inch in height or shorter—and maintains a consistent width along its length. Initially hairless, it can develop dark, fine hairs with age. The stem is white but darkens as it goes upward from the base, and pink staining may appear as the mushroom matures. At the base of the stem, a small white pad connects the mushroom to the forest debris from which it grows.
Growth and Habitat
Marasmiellus candidus is saprophytic, meaning it feeds on decaying organic material. It grows either alone or in groups, emerging from forest litter. While often found in summer and fall, it can also appear in winter in warmer regions.
If you found this information about Marasmiellus candidus helpful, check out our other posts on our TrueTreeTalk blog, including our Mushroom Monday posts. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with these and other posts. Check out our list of blog posts grouped by topic for more to read. Also, follow us on LinkedIn for industry-related posts.
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