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The Little Wheel Mushroom (Marasmius rotula) is a small, delicate mushroom known for its distinctive wheel-like gills and translucent cap. It is a saprophytic species, meaning it obtains nutrients from decaying organic matter. This mushroom is typically found in moist, wooded areas, growing on dead leaves, twigs, and other forest debris.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is small (typically 2-8 mm in diameter), convex to flattened, and translucent. It is white to cream-colored with radial striations, giving it a somewhat pleated appearance.
- Gills
- The gills are widely spaced, adnexed to free, and have a distinctive wheel-like arrangement. They are white and relatively thick for the size of the mushroom.
- Stem
- The stem is thin, wiry, and hollow. It is typically white to cream-colored and has a smooth surface.
- Flesh
- The flesh is very thin and insubstantial.
- Fruiting body
- Small, delicate, and white with a translucent cap and widely spaced gills.
- Habitat
- Found on decaying leaves, twigs, and other forest debris in moist, wooded areas.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Striated, Translucent
- Growth Form: Saprophytic
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: White to Cream
- Odor: Not distinctive
- Flesh bruises: No bruising reaction
- Height: 1-3 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-8 mm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeMarasmius rotula is not considered toxic, but it is also not typically consumed due to its small size and insubstantial texture.
Quick Check
- Odor: Indistinct
- Fruiting: Decaying leaves and twigs
- Substrate: Leaf litter
Where to Find
Wooded Areas
Decaying leaves and twigs in deciduous forests.
Moist Habitats
Prefers moist environments with plenty of leaf litter.
Finding Tips
Visual Identification
Look for tiny, white mushrooms with a translucent cap and widely spaced gills.
Habitat Search
Check decaying leaves and twigs in damp, shaded areas.
Similar Species
Crinipellis zonata
mushroom
Also known as: Fairy Parachutes
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
This mushroom is generally not consumed due to its small size and insubstantial texture. Cleaning is not typically necessary.
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