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Marasmius siccus, commonly known as the Orange Pinwheel, is a small saprophytic mushroom with a distinctive cap and stem. It is found in various habitats, primarily on decaying plant matter.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is convex to nearly flat, often with a central depression. It is typically orange to orange-yellow, fading to tan with age. The surface is dry and smooth, with radial grooves or wrinkles that resemble a pinwheel.
- Gills
- The gills are widely spaced, adnate to adnexed, and white to pale yellow. They may be somewhat distant and not very prominent.
- Stem
- The stem is thin, wiry, and shiny, typically dark reddish-brown to black. It is smooth and may be slightly enlarged at the base.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thin and pliant.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is small and delicate.
- Habitat
- Found on decaying leaves, twigs, and other plant debris in woods and grassy areas.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, smooth with radial grooves.
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups.
- Spore Print: White.
- Body color: Orange to orange-yellow, fading to tan.
- Odor: Not distinctive.
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise.
- Height: 1-4 cm.
- Cap Diameter: 0.5-2 cm.
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic.
Safe
SafeGenerally considered non-toxic, but not typically consumed due to its small size and lack of substantial flesh.
Quick Check
- Odor: Not distinctive.
- Fruiting: Saprophytic, growing on decaying plant matter.
- Substrate: Decaying leaves, twigs, and plant debris.
Where to Find
North America
Common in eastern North America.
Deciduous Forests
Prefers moist, shaded areas in deciduous forests.
Finding Tips
Look for Decaying Matter
Search for it on fallen leaves and twigs, especially in damp areas.
Check After Rain
Fruiting bodies are more likely to appear after periods of rain.
Similar Species
Marasmius neosiccus
Mushroom
Also known as: None
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 typically cleaned due to its small size and insubstantial nature.
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