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Pluteus exilis
Pluteus exilis is a species of agaric fungus in the family Pluteaceae. It was described as new to science by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1989, from specimens collected in Muir Woods, California.[1] DescriptionFruit bodies of Pluteus exilis have caps that measure 3.5–7 cm (1.4–2.8 in) in diameter. They are initially hemispherical or bell-shaped, later becoming more convex in maturity, sometime with a shallow central depression. The cap color is brownish. Gills are spaced together closely, and are free from attachment to the stipe. Initially white, they later become pink with white edges.[2] The spore print of Pluteus exilis is pinkish-brown. Its ellipsoid to egg-shaped spores measure 7–8 by 4.5–5.5 μm. Singer additionally described the variety P. exilis var. austriacus, from collections made in oak forests in Burgenland, Austria; it has grayish-brown caps.[1] Later work showed that this taxon is the same as Pluteus cervinus.[2] The South American species Pluteus xylophilus is similar in appearance to Pluteus exilis, but can be distinguished by its smaller spores, and greater variability in fruit body size.[1] Habitat and distributionPluteus exilis is a saprophytic fungus that feeds on decaying wood. It fruits singly or in groups on the well-rotted wood of both angiosperms, including alder and tanoak, and conifers, including spruce and Douglas-fir. The fungus is found along the coast of the Pacific Northwest region of North America, from Santa Cruz County to southern British Columbia.[2] See alsoReferences
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