Candolleomyces candolleanus (formerly known as Psathyrella candolleana) is a mushroom in the family Psathyrellaceae. It is commonly found growing in small groups around stumps and tree roots on lawns and pastures[2] in Europe and North America. In 2014, it was reported from Iraq.[3] The coloring varies between white and golden brown.
Description
The cap is tan when young,[2] growing to 2–8 cm (1–3 in) in diameter,[4] initially conical, later becoming rounded and finally with upturned margins in maturity. The cap margin is irregular and radially asymmetrical—a defining characteristic of this species. It can retain veil fragments on the edge and center.[2] The white stalk[2] is 4–10 cm (1.5–4 in) tall and 3–7 mm wide.[4] The spore print is purple-brown, while spores are smooth and elliptical, measuring 6.5–8 by 4–5 μm.[5]
While it is edible and may have a good flavor, it is not recommended due to its thin flesh, alleged poor culinary value and consistency, as well as difficulty in identification.[2][7][8]
Similar species
One similar species is Psathyrella gracilis.[4] Some species may have darker caps when young, drying to match that of C. candolleanus.[2]
^Al-Habib MN, Holliday JC, Tura D (2014). "The pale brittle stem mushroom, Psathyrella candolleana (higher Basidiomycetes): An indigenous medicinal mushroom new to Iraq". International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 16 (6): 617–22. doi:10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v16.i6.110. PMID25404226.
