Cotton ball diet
However, it is poisonous and while not lethal, consuming this mushroom leads to severe cramps and vomiting. Cryptothecia rubrocincta is a species of lichen in the Arthoniaceae family of fungi. Save it with a link in the edit summary to the article the lead was copied from, for licensing reasons. The color and size of this species can vary somewhat, but they are typically less than a centimeter wide and tall, and grey or brown in color. Considered by some to be a choice edible when young, this species has a cosmopolitan distribution, and is typically found growing in groups or rings in grassy pastures, roadside hedges, or woodland clearings. In the laboratory, Mutinus elegans has been shown to inhibit the growth of several microorganisms that can be pathogenic to humans. Sarcoscypha occidentalis, commonly known as the stalked scarlet cup or the western scarlet cup, is a species of fungus in the family Sarcoscyphaceae, order Pezizales. It is found in Europe, and, despite previous research to the contrary, is absent in North America. The gleba has a fetid odor, somewhat like rotting meat, that attracts flies and other insects to help disperse the spores. Found exclusively in North America, the mushroom may be recognized in the field by the medium to large white caps with pale orange tints, and the dense covering of pale orange or reddish-brown powdery conical warts on the cap surface. The life cycle of this fungus allows it to reproduce both sexually, with meiosis, and asexually via spores. The mushroom also has a characteristic large bulb at the base of its stem with a blunt short rooting base, whose shape is suggestive of the common names carrot-footed Lepidella, carrot-foot Amanita, or turnip-foot Amanita. Marasmius rotula is a species of fungus in the Marasmiaceae family of mushrooms. The species has a history of use in traditional medicines, and recent research has corroborated some medicinal properties of lichen extracts. Clathrus ruber is a species of fungus in the stinkhorn family, and the type species of the genus Clathrus. A distinguishing microscopic characteristic is the near absence of large, spherical cells called sphaerocysts that are otherwise common in Lactarius species. An edible but bland-tasting mushroom, extracts of the fruit bodies have been shown in laboratory tests to have antimicrobial activity against various bacteria that are pathogenic to humans. The fruiting bodies are encountered from summer until early winter. subdulcis is known for its abundant, sweet-tasting milk that, unlike the latex of some of its relatives, does not stain fabric yellow. The fruiting body is a creamy-white mushroom which is funnel-shaped when mature, with exceptionally crowded gills. edulis. Agaricus texensis, commonly known as the gasteroid agaricus, is a species of fungus in the Agaricaceae family. The edge of the cap has a roll of cottony tissue that collapses as the cap expands. These eyelashes are the most distinctive feature and are easily visible with a magnifying glass. Widely distributed across Europe and eastern North America, Lactarius piperatus has been accidentally introduced to Australia. The species Molliardiomyces occidentalis is an imperfect form of the fungus that lacks a sexually reproductive stage in its life cycle. As the fungus matures, a slender orange to pink colored stalk emerges that tapers evenly to a pointed tip. Lobaria pulmonaria is a large epiphytic lichen consisting of an ascomycete fungus and a green algal partner living together in a symbiotic relationship with a cyanobacterium —a symbiosis involving members of three kingdoms of organisms. It is a large bolete from Western North America with distinguishing features that include a finely netted surface on the upper third of the stem, a red to brown cap and stem color, and red pores that stain blue upon injury. It is brown in colour, with a large number of gills and a particularly thin layer of flesh in the cap. It is found in the United Kingdom, Northern Europe, and is common in North America, where it grows in mixed forests in a mycorrhizal association with various trees, most commonly birch. It is sometimes described as inedible, but its small size means it is not suitable for culinary use. When it is cut or injured, the mushroom oozes a white latex, which has an intensely peppery taste. The species is found in fields where animals graze throughout the cool temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, but it is known primarily from continental Europe, the UK and Ireland. This species is differentiated from several other similar members of genus Cyptotrama by variations in cap color, and spore size and shape. It has been introduced to many areas, such as North America, through human activity. Their stems tend to be slender and long, and the same color or slightly lighter than the cap. It is commonly known variously as the pinwheel mushroom, the pinwheel Marasmius, the little wheel, the collared parachute, or the horse hair fungus. Mycorrhizal, it forms a symbiotic relationship with various species of deciduous tree, including beech, and hazel, and fruiting bodies are found on the forest floor in deciduous woodland. The variety normandensis, in contrast, has latex that changes color from white to yellow. Formerly named Longula texensis (among several other synonyms ), it was shown by molecular analysis in 2004 to be most evolutionarily closely related to Agaricus. Lactarius subdulcis, commonly known as the mild milkcap or beech milk cap, is an edible mushroom in the genus Lactarius. It is on these fertile gill surfaces that the spore -bearing cells, the basidia are found. Omphalotus nidiformis, or ghost fungus, is a gilled basidiomycete mushroom found in southern Australia most notable for its bioluminescent properties. Despite being edible, it is not recommended due to its poor taste, though can be used as seasoning when dried. Boletus frostii is distributed in the eastern United States from Maine to Georgia, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Some guidebooks refer to it by its older scientific names of Entoloma lividum or Rhodophyllus sinuatus. Entoloma sinuatum ( commonly known as the livid entoloma, livid agaric, livid pinkgill, leaden entoloma, and lead poisoner ) is a poisonous mushroom found across Europe and North America. The fruit bodies may be recognized by their dark red sticky caps, the red pores, the network-like pattern of the stem, and the bluing reaction to bruising. regalis differs from it in being larger, with a liver-brown cap bearing numerous scabs, and in having a stem which is yellow- ochre at the base, with patches or rings of patches. There has been some disagreement in the literature as to whether the mushroom should be placed in the closely-related genera Boletus or Boletellus. Although considered edible, it is not particularly useful as food due to its ivy -like taste and the fact that more choice mushrooms will be easily found at the same time. It has a northerly distribution, and is found in temperate regions of North America and Europe, associated with spruce trees. The fruit bodies of the fungus somewhat resemble the fly Agaric ( Amanita muscaria ), and it was formerly regarded as a variety of this species. Poisonings have occurred over confusion with oyster mushrooms. Hygrophorus agathosmus, commonly known as the gray almond waxy cap or the almond woodwax, is a species of fungus in the Hygrophoraceae family. The fungus is found in the western United States and Mexico, where it grows in mycorrhizal associations with various coniferous trees species, such as spruce, pine and fir, and deciduous species such as oak and alder. The fruit bodies are secotioid, meaning the spores are not forcibly discharged, and the cap does not fully expand. A member of the Boletaceae family, the mushrooms produced by the fungus have tubes and pores instead of gills on the underside of its cap. The caps of the fruit bodies of this species develop a characteristic saddle-shape in maturity, and the ends of both saddle lobes are drawn out to sharp tips that project above the level of the fruiting body. First described scientifically by American mycologist William Alphonso Murrill in 1912, the species has been juggled by various authors to several genera, including Boletus, Boletellus, and Xerocomus. It may be identified by its orangish-brown to lilac color, its purple, wrinkled hymenium, and the unique shape of its fruit bodies. It is a common and abundant species in the coastal oak woodlands of California, where it grows saprobically, feeding on the fallen leaves and acorns of various oak species. Lactarius deceptivus, commonly known as the deceiving milkcap, is a common species of fungus in the Russulaceae family. It has a white or pale cream cap, and is funnel-shaped when mature, with the gills running down the length of the stem. The fungus grows on decaying wood and leaves. The fruiting bodies are referred to as splash cups, because they are designed to use the force of falling drops of water to dislodge and disperse their spores. Amanita onusta, commonly known as the loaded Lepidella or the gunpowder Lepidella, is a species of fungus in the Amanitaceae family of mushrooms. The fruiting structure is tall and white with a slimy, dark olive colored conical head. It is commonly known as the latticed stinkhorn, the basket stinkhorn, or the red cage, alluding to the striking fruit bodies that are shaped somewhat like a round or oval hollow sphere with interlaced or latticed branches. The large, edible fruiting bodies known as mushrooms appear under pine trees, generally in summer and autumn. This fungus has had a varied taxonomical history, having been placed in fourteen genera before finally settling in Cyptotrama. A popular edible fungus with a mild or nutty taste, its distribution encompasses Britain, Europe, and Asia, where it occurs solitary or scattered on the ground in both deciduous and mixed forests, forming mycorrhizhal associations with hardwood trees like oak and European beech. It had been recognized as causing gastric upsets when eaten raw, but was more recently implicated in a potentially fatal immune hemolysis in those who had consumed the mushroom without ill-effects for years. This terrestrial species grows in mixed woods in eastern North America and eastern Asia, where it is thought to exist in a mycorrhizal relationship with a variety of both coniferous and deciduous tree species. Astraeus hygrometricus, commonly known as the hygroscopic earthstar, the barometer earthstar, or the false earthstar, is a species of fungus in the family Astraeaceae. The acrid taste of the fruit bodies renders them unpalatable. The gills are closely spaced together and yellowish-cream in color. It was subsequently considered a doubtful species by later Mycena researchers, until a 1999 publication validated the taxon. Pseudocolus fusiformis is a stinkhorn mushroom in the Phallaceae family, a family well-known for a remarkable range of fruit body types. Similar in appearance to the oyster mushroom, it was previously considered a member of the same genus, Pleurotus, and described under the former names Pleurotus nidiformis or Pleurotus lampas. Formerly known as Coryne sarcoides, its taxonomical history has been complicated by the fact that it may adopt both sexual and asexual forms. The stem —typically longer than the width of the cap—is also bright orange but the gills are whitish. Saprobic, it grows on the dead wood of deciduous trees from late summer to autumn. olla is a relatively common fungus, with a worldwide distribution. It is a common mushroom in Europe and western North America, where it occurs in habitats rich in wood debris such as forests and mulched gardens. Terms of Use Privacy Policy AdChoices Advertise with us About us Newsletters Work for us Help Transcripts License Footage CNN Newsource. Lactarius rufulus, commonly known as the rufous candy cap, is a species of fungus in the Russulaceae family. Ramariopsis kunzei is an edible species of coral fungi in the Clavariaceae family, and the type species of the genus Ramariopsis. Mycorrhizal, the mushroom is found from late summer to late autumn at the base of beech trees in small groups or individually, where it is one of the two most common species of fungi. Two varieties have been named: var. Scutellinia scutellata, commonly known as the eyelash cup, the Molly eye-winker, the scarlet elf cap, the eyelash fungus or the eyelash pixie cup, is a small saprophytic fungus of the genus Scutellinia. As the egg ruptures and the fruit body expands, the gleba is carried upward on the inner surfaces of the spongy lattice, and the egg tissue remains as a volva around the base of the structure. Cyathus olla is a species of saprobic fungus in the genus Cyathus, family Nidulariaceae. The cap bears a distinctive inrolled rim and decurrent gills which may be pore-like close to the stipe. They are pink-flesh colored, with whitish concentric zones. Amanita regalis, commonly known as the royal fly agaric or the king of Sweden Amanita, is a species of fungus in the Amanitaceae family. Another characteristic of young, moist fruit bodies are the amber drops exuded on the pore surface. Lactarius alnicola, commonly known as the golden milkcap, is a species of fungus in the Russulaceae family. Clumps of mushrooms arise after rain from spring to autumn, commonly in urban and disturbed habitats such as vacant lots and lawns as well as grassy areas. A. Its population has declined across Europe and L. Coprinellus impatiens is a species of fungus in the Psathyrellaceae family. Flies and other insects feed upon the slime which contains the spores, assisting in their dispersal. The surface of the stem—especially near the base—has a velvety texture. helenae produces a number of chemically unique diterpenoid molecules known as cyathins. Moving outwards from the center, zones of color may be distinguished, the first gray-green, the second white, and finally a bright red cottony rim. The species, known only from California, Arizona, and Mexico, grows on the ground in leaf litter near oak trees. Amanita daucipes is a species of fungus in the Amanitaceae family of the Agaricales order of mushrooms. Being one of the smaller species of Cyathus, C. pungens, from Michigan. Selected species are articles about specific species of fungi that are of good quality. Cut fruit bodies ooze a white latex that will stain mushroom tissue lilac to purple. Found solely in western North America from British Columbia south to Mexico, the fruit bodies are distinguished by their dark reddish brown to nearly black caps with uneven surfaces, the yellow pores on the underside of the caps, and the red-streaked yellow stems. Lactarius rufulus mushrooms are edible, and have an odor resembling maple syrup. Although considered primarily a European species, Clathrus ruber has a widespread distribution that includes northern Africa, Asia, and Australia. Other common names for this species include clustered chanterelle and violet chanterelle. Calvatia sculpta, commonly known as the sculpted puffball, the sculptured puffball, the pyramid puffball, and the Sierran puffball, is a species of puffball mushroom in the Lycoperdaceae family. pitkinensis, known from Colorado, and var. Other similar species include Calvatia arctica and immature specimens of Amanita magniverrucata. The fungus grows in summer and fall on the ground, often in Douglas fir forests or on their margins. Any article meeting the criteria may be added below using-. Although its general appearance resembles a more typical agaric with stem and gills, atop the stem is a spore sac, consisting of an endoperidium and a gleba. First described in 1821, it has been classified variously in the genera Psathyrella, Pseudocoprinus, Coprinarius, and Coprinus, before molecular phylogenetics reaffirmed it as a Coprinellus species in 2001. They have been used to flavor confections and desserts.
Boletus mirabilis is found in coniferous forests along the Pacific Coast of North America, and in Asia. It is found throughout eastern North America on the ground in coniferous forests near hemlock or deciduous forests near oak, and in oak-dominated forests of Costa Rica. It is one of several species with bioluminescent properties occurring worldwide, all of which are poisonous with the exception of Armillaria. The egg has a delicate, leathery outer membrane enclosing the compressed lattice that surrounds a layer of olive-green spore -bearing slime called the gleba, which contains high levels of calcium that help protect the developing fruit body during development. Pholiota flammans, commonly known as the yellow pholiota, the flaming Pholiota, or the flame scalecap, is a basidiomycete agaric mushroom of the genus Pholiota. It is found in western North America in the late summer and fall and is especially common in the Pacific Northwest, where it grows on the ground near conifers like pine and spruce. Be about a specific species of fungi (not a genus or other related article). Although most frequently found growing on dead wood in open forests, it also grows on wood chip mulch in urban areas. Commonly known as the chicken fat mushroom, the American slippery Jack (or slipperycap ), or the American suillus, it grows in a mycorrhizal association with eastern white pine and can be found where this tree occurs in eastern North America and China. Suillus americanus is a species of fungus in the Suillaceae family of mushrooms. Handkea utriformis, synonymous with Lycoperdon utriforme or Calvatia utriformis, is a species of the Lycoperdaceae family of puffballs. Be illustrated with a freely licensed image of the species. Chemical analysis has shown that this species contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, the same toxic components found in A. As with other boletes, the size of the fruiting body is variable. Lactarius repraesentaneus, commonly known as the northern bearded milkcap, the northern milkcap, or the purple-staining milkcap, is a species of fungus in the Russulaceae family. The white gills on the underside of the cap are crowded closely together, and are free from attachment to the stem. The mushroom grows on grassy meadows and similar habitats, particularly in wet, north-facing fields and other habitats well-fertilized by sheep and cattle feces. Ascocoryne sarcoides is a species of fungus in the Helotiaceae family. For many years, Boletus pinophilus was considered a subspecies or form of the porcini mushroom B. Paxillus involutus, commonly known as the brown roll-rim or common roll-rim, or poison pax, is a poisonous basidiomycete fungus, previously considered edible and eaten widely in Eastern and Central Europe. The entire fruit body will slowly stain a reddish-brown color in response to bruising or aging. Lactarius torminosus, commonly known as the woolly milkcap or the bearded milkcap, is a large basidiomycete fungus in the genus Lactarius. The fruit body is characterized by its whitish, thin, membranous cap, its long and slender but tough black stem, and widely-spaced white gills that are attached to a collar encircling but not touching the stem. It is commonly known as the beaked earthstar or the beret earthstar, in reference to the shape of the spore sac and its prominent, protruding peristome. The fungus is found in North America and Europe, where the mushrooms grow on the ground in deciduous forests. The species is distributed in eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Mexico, and may be found growing on the ground in deciduous forests, particularly those with oak, hickory and chestnut. pinophilus in western North America were reclassified as a new species, Boletus rex-veris. Battarrea phalloides is an inedible species of mushroom in the family Tulostomataceae, and the type species of the genus Battarrea. The brightly colored fruit bodies, which are slimy or sticky, have scarlet caps when young that soon fade to brilliant orange. Amanita abrupta, commonly known as the abrupt-bulbed Lepidella, is a species of fungus in the Amanitaceae family of mushrooms. Russula virescens is a basidiomycete mushroom of the genus Russula, and is commonly known as the green-cracking Russula, the quilted green Russula, or the green brittlegill. Mycena californiensis is a species of fungus in the Mycenaceae family. Phallus impudicus, commonly known as the common stinkhorn, is a widespread fungus recognizable for its foul odor and its phallic shape when mature, the latter feature giving rise to several names in 17th-century England. The fungus is distributed in the continental United States east of the Rocky Mountains, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia. Its distribution in North America has not been clarified, due to confusion with the similar species Russula parvovirescens and Russula crustosa. It is the type species of Scutellinia, as well as being the most common and widespread. When the partial veil breaks or pulls away from the stem or the cap splits radially, the blackish-brown gleba is exposed to the elements. Coprinopsis atramentaria, commonly known as the common ink cap or inky cap, is an edible (but sometimes poisonous, see below) mushroom found in Europe and North America. The species is distributed in subtropical and tropical locations throughout the southeastern United States, as well as Central and South America, and has been collected infrequently in a few locales in Africa. Lactarius piperatus, commonly known as the peppery milk-cap is a semi- edible basidiomycete fungus of the genus Lactarius. Although it is valued for its peppery flavor and eaten after pickling in Russia and Finland, it is highly irritating to the digestive system when eaten raw. It is edible when young, before the spores inside the fruit body disintegrate into a brown powder. The grey-brown cap is initially bell-shaped before opening and flattening and disintegrating. Various shades of brown in color, the fruiting body resembles a brown wooden top and may be found in deciduous and coniferous woods, and grassy areas in later summer and autumn. It has a matte brown to maroon-coloured cap and its stem is often large and swollen, and the overall colour may have an orange-red tinge. Found only in southwestern and western North America, it is adapted for growth in dry, semiarid habitats. In North America, its distribution is restricted to Alaska. It often grows near edible mushrooms as well which makes it harder to identify by amateur mushroomers. The fungus is found commonly in eastern North America, but has also been collected in Portugal and Korea. Fruit bodies, which may appear alone or in groups on the ground in conifer duff, are usually attached to buried woody debris, and are commonly associated with melting snow. Generally found growing on dead or dying trees, it is saprotroph and parasite. The stem is whitish-gray with woolly or wart-like veil remnants, and at the base is a spindle- or turnip-shaped base that is rooted somewhat deeply in the soil. The spores are roughly spherical, and have wart-like projections on the surface. Ramariopsis kunzei has a widespread distribution, and is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Alternatively, it can be found in large groups in fields, sometimes with more than a hundred individual mushrooms. Boletus pinophilus, commonly known as the pine bolete or pinewood king bolete, is a basidiomycete fungus of the genus Boletus found throughout Europe. Entoloma is a genus of pink- spored fungi, of which this species is the largest. Scientists find the first fossilized dinosaur brain - but what took so long. On the underside of the caps are flesh-colored gills crowded closely together. Gomphus clavatus is an edible species of fungus in the genus Gomphus, family Gomphaceae. However, it has also been reported occasionally from India, South America, and Australasia. The malodorous smell comes from the dark greenish slimy gleba covering the inside faces of the arms, and attracts insects that help to disperse the spores. Gyromitra infula, commonly known as the elfin saddle or the hooded false morel, is a member of the ascomycete mushrooms in the family Helvellaceae. Amanita aestivalis, commonly known as the white American star-footed Amanita, is a species of fungus in the Amanitaceae family of mushrooms. It is the most widely distributed member of the genus Pseudocolus and has been found in the United States, Australia, Japan, Java, and the Philippines. It may be easily confused with Calbovista subsculpta, a similar puffball which—in addition to differences observable only with microscopy —is larger, and has slightly raised felty warts. The red pigment, called chiodectonic acid, is one of several chemicals the lichen produces to help tolerate inhospitable growing conditions. Crinipellis zonata, commonly known as the zoned Crinipellis or the zoned-cap Collybia, is a species of gilled mushroom in the Marasmiaceae family. The gill attachment to the stem is adnexed (narrowly attached), and they are initially cream before tinting purple as the spores mature. The stalk is covered with a foul-smelling slimy green spore mass on the upper third of its length. Boletus pinophilus is edible, and may be preserved and cooked. When young, the cap is white in all parts, but the depressed center becomes dull brownish in age and breaks up into scales. Its fruit body is golden-yellow in color throughout, while its cap and stem are covered in sharp scales. Common in Scandinavian countries, it is also found in eastern and northern Europe. To qualify to be a selected species, articles must meet three criteria-. The fruit bodies are edible, but have a bitter taste that can be removed with cooking. First described in 1860 by Berkeley and Curtis, the species was collected four years earlier during an exploring and surveying expedition. The red and green colors of this unmistakable woodland lichen give the appearance of a Christmas wreath, suggestive of its common North American name, the Christmas wreath lichen. Edibility is unknown for the species, but consumption is generally not recommended due its position in the Amanita subgroup Lepidella, which contains some poisonous members. L. The specific epithet of this species was given by Brodie in tribute to his late wife Helen. C. It is commonly known as the mosaic puffball, a reference to the polygonal-shaped segments the outer surface of the fruiting body develops as it matures. Floridanus, has been described and differs from the typical species in the color of the fruit body, and texture of the cap. Cyathus helenae is a species of fungus in the genus Cyathus, family Nidulariaceae. Geastrum pectinatum is an inedible species of mushroom belonging to the earthstar family of fungi. It bleeds a whitish peppery-tasting milk when cut. It is characterized by its small to medium-sized fruit bodies that have white to pale gray caps crowded with roughly conical, pyramidal, or irregular gray warts. Phylogenetic analysis has shown that it is most closely related to other Sarcoscypha species that contains large oil droplets in their spores. The older, central region is covered with red, spherical to cylindrical granules. The mushroom secretes a whitish latex when it is cut or injured. They are yellow to brown in color, covered with radial grooves when moist, and fade to a lighter color as they mature. Leucopaxillus giganteus, commonly known as the giant leucopax (formerly as the giant clitocybe ) or the giant funnel, is a saprobic species of fungus in the Tricholomataceae family. It can be recognized by its distinctive pale green cap covered with darker green patches, its crowded white gills, and its white stem. Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as the liberty cap, is a psychedelic mushroom that contains the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and baeocystin. The edge of the cap is rolled inwards, and shaggy when young. The development of the fruit bodies is gymnocarpic, meaning that the hymenium appears and develops to maturity in an exposed state, not enclosed by any protective membrane. A widespread species, it is distributed in the United States, Europe, Africa, and India, and can be found growing under spruce and pine in mixed forests. muscaria, but no muscarine or tryptamine derivatives have been found. In 2008, B. Its common names refer to the fact that it is hygroscopic (water-absorbing), and can open up its rays to expose the spore sac in response to increased humidity, and close them up again in drier conditions. Colloquially known as jelly drops or the purple jellydisc, this common fungus appears as a gelatinous mass of pinkish or purple-colored discs. Lactarius subflammeus, commonly known as the orange milk cap, is a species of fungus in the Russulaceae family. It is generally not considered to be lethal, although one source has reported deaths from the consumption of this mushroom. It is the subject of agricultural research to determine its potential as a means to accelerate the breakdown of crop residue, and reduce the population of plant pathogens. Plectania nannfeldtii is found in western North America and in Asia, often at higher elevations. It is a mycorrhizal species, and the fruit bodies are typically found growing near hardwood trees, especially oak. The body of the lichen forms continuous, circular crust-like patches on dead wood, readily recognizable by the prominent red pigment. Leucopaxillus giganteus contains a number of bioactive compounds, one of which has displayed antibiotic and anti-tumor properties in laboratory tests. Fruit bodies smell somewhat like bleaching powder, and their edibility is unknown, but possibly toxic. Despite its foul smell, it is not poisonous and the young mushroom is consumed in parts of France and Germany. Widely distributed in tropical regions of the world, it is characterized by the bright orange to yellow cap that in young specimens is covered with tufts of fibrils resembling small spikes. Cyptotrama asprata (alternatively spelled aspratum ), commonly known as the Golden-scruffy Collybia, is a saprobic species of mushroom in the Physalacriaceae family. Although uncommon, this species has a cosmopolitan distribution, and has been collected in various locations in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. Although it has gills, it is more closely related to the pored boletes than to typical gilled mushrooms. In maturity, it displays the characteristic earthstar shape that is a result of the outer layer of fruiting body tissue splitting open in a star-like manner. It is commonly known as white coral because of the branched structure of the fruit bodies that resemble marine coral. The fungus is distributed in the eastern United States, south to Florida, and reaches north into the southeastern provinces of Canada. A saprobic species, it is typically found growing on the ground singly or in small groups on woody debris or leaf litter, during summer and autumn in Europe and eastern North America. pulmonaria is considered endangered in many lowland areas. The mushroom has also been shown to inhibit an antibiotic-resistant form of the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, and it may suppress growth of the plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. The toxins responsible for the acrid taste are destroyed by cooking. A saprobic species, it is found growing on hardwood twigs, particularly those that are partially buried in moist and shaded humus -rich soil. Despite occasional appearances to the contrary, Boletus mirabilis is mycorrhizal, and forms close mutualistic associations with hemlock roots. It is a widespread and common fungus, and is the type species of the genus Marasmius.
