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Entoloma sinuatum, commonly known as the lilac brown mushroom, is a poisonous mushroom that is sometimes mistaken for edible species. It is characterized by its large size, fleshy cap, and sinuate gills. It is important to accurately identify this mushroom to avoid accidental consumption.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 5-20 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and often has an irregular shape. The color ranges from pale cream to tan or grayish-brown. The surface is smooth and dry.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and initially whitish, turning pinkish as the spores mature. They are sinuate, meaning they have a wavy edge where they meet the stem.
- Stem
- The stem is stout, 4-10 cm long and 1-3 cm thick, and is usually the same color as the cap or slightly lighter. It is solid and fibrous.
- Flesh
- Thick and white, with a mealy odor, especially when cut or bruised.
- Fruiting body
- Large and fleshy, with a substantial cap and stem.
- Habitat
- Found in deciduous woods, particularly under oak and beech trees, during summer and autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, dry
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: Pinkish
- Body color: Pale cream to tan or grayish-brown
- Odor: Mealy, rancid
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising
- Height: 4-10 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-20 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Toxic
Severe ToxicityEntoloma sinuatum is highly toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mealy or rancid
- Fruiting: Summer to Autumn
- Substrate: Decaying leaf litter in deciduous woods
Where to Find
Deciduous Woods
Prefers areas under oak and beech trees.
Europe
Commonly found throughout Europe.
Finding Tips
Look for Mealy Odor
Crush a small piece of the flesh and check for a distinct mealy or rancid odor.
Check Gill Attachment
Ensure the gills are sinuate and change color from white to pinkish as they mature.
Similar Species
Edible Field Mushroom
Mushroom
Also known as: Agaricus campestris
St. George's Mushroom
Mushroom
Also known as: Calocybe gambosa
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Entolomataceae
- Genus
- Entoloma
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