Phyllotopsis nidulans

Phyllotopsis nidulans (Pers.) Singer, is a saprobic fungus that typically grows in overlapping clusters on recently dead trees.

Phyllotopsis nidulans in its natural habitat, decomposing a fallen tree.
Figure 1. Phyllotopsis nidulans in its natural habitat, decomposing a fallen tree.

Phyllotopsis nidulans (Pers.) Singer

Ecology and Morphology: Phyllotopsis nidulans (Pers.) Singer, is a saprobic fungus that typically grows in overlapping clusters on recently dead trees. These fungi look very similar to Pleurotus ostreatus at first glance as both have a shell shaped basidiocarp, the margin of the fruiting body is curled towards the gills and no stipe is present. However, the hirsute basidiocarp and orange color distinguish this fungi from P. ostreatus. Likewise, Phyllotopsis nidulans will sometimes produce a foul smell when it is collected and unlike P. ostreatus, P. nidulans has a pink spore print. I did not notice a foul smell from my collection though. These fungi are not considered edible. Overall an interesting a beautiful fungus to find in the fall. 

 

Phyllotopsis nidulans Figure 2
Figure 2. Close up and gill shot of Phyllotopsis nidulans. Notice the margin of the pileus and how it is curved towards the gills.

 

Taxonomy:

  • Kingdom:  Fungi
  • Division: Basidiomycota
  • Class: Agaricomycetes
  • Order: Agaricales
  • Family: Tricholomataceae
  • Genus: Phyllotopsis
  • Species: P. nidulans

 

 

Literature:

 

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