How to identify Laughing Gym, Laughing Jim

To correctly identify Laughing Gym, Laughing Jim (Gymnopilus junonius), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Orange-brown, dry surface, may have scales or fibers, convex to flattened shape, often with a central bump (umbo).

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Close, adnate to subdecurrent, orange-brown, may stain darker with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Orange-brown, dry, fibrous, may have a fragile ring.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Orange-brown, may stain darker when cut.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Large, orange-brown mushroom growing in clusters on wood.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Decaying logs and tree stumps in wooded areas.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, may have scales or fibers

Growth Form

Clustered

Spore Print

Rusty brown

Body color

Orange-brown

Odor

Mild to pungent

Flesh bruises

May stain darker

Height

5-20 cm

Cap Diameter

5-20 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to subdecurrent
• Stem shape: Equal to slightly club-shaped
• Stem surface: Dry, fibrous
• Ring: Present, but may be fragile and disappear with age
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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