Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Marasmius androsaceus, commonly known as the 'Bootlace Parachute' or 'Thread-stemmed agaric,' is a small saprophytic fungus with a distinctive thread-like stem. It is found on decaying plant matter, particularly fallen leaves and twigs. While not considered toxic, it is also not typically consumed due to its small size and insubstantial nature.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is convex, often with a central depression, and ranges in color from tan to reddish-brown. It is typically small, measuring only a few millimeters in diameter.
- Gills
- The gills are widely spaced and adnate to decurrent, meaning they run slightly down the stem.
- Stem
- The stem is very thin, wiry, and dark brown to black, resembling a bootlace or thread. It is typically several centimeters long.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thin and insubstantial.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is small and delicate.
- Habitat
- It grows on decaying leaves, twigs, and other plant debris in forests and woodlands.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Saprophytic
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Tan to reddish-brown cap, dark brown to black stem
- Odor: Not distinctive
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise
- Height: 2-7 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-8 mm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeNot considered toxic, but not typically consumed due to its small size and lack of substantial flesh.
Quick Check
- Odor: Not distinctive
- Fruiting: Small, delicate fruiting body
- Substrate: Decaying leaves and twigs
Where to Find
Forests and Woodlands
Found in temperate forests and woodlands worldwide, particularly where there is an abundance of fallen leaves and decaying plant matter.
Finding Tips
Look for Decaying Matter
Search for it on decaying leaves, twigs, and other plant debris on the forest floor.
Check in Damp Conditions
It tends to be more prevalent in damp or humid conditions.
Similar Species
Marasmius rotula
fungus
Also known as: Pinwheel mushroom
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Marasmiaceae
- Genus
- Marasmius
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
Not applicable, as it is not typically consumed.
Explore Bootlace Parachute
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.