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The Pluteus petasatus, commonly known as the Veiled Shield, is a saprobic mushroom that decomposes dead wood. It is characterized by its silky cap, pink gills, and free gills. It is found in various habitats, mainly on decaying logs and woody debris.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Silky, smooth, and convex, becoming flattened with age. Color ranges from whitish to grayish-brown.
- Gills
- Free, close, and pinkish in color due to the spores.
- Stem
- White to grayish, smooth, and lacks a ring or volva.
- Flesh
- White, does not change color when cut.
- Fruiting body
- Medium-sized mushroom with a distinct cap and stem.
- Habitat
- Grows on decaying wood, often on logs or branches.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Silky, Smooth
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: Pink
- Body color: White to Grayish-Brown
- Odor: Mild or indistinct
- Flesh bruises: No bruising
- Height: 5-20 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafePluteus petasatus is not known to be poisonous, but edibility is not definitively established. It is generally not recommended for consumption due to potential confusion with toxic species and its unremarkable taste.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild
- Fruiting: Grows on decaying wood
- Substrate: Decaying wood
Where to Find
Forests
Decaying logs and woody debris in deciduous and coniferous forests.
Parks and Gardens
Parks and gardens with decaying wood.
Finding Tips
Check Decaying Wood
Look for mushrooms growing on dead wood, especially logs and branches.
Search Moist Areas
Search in shaded, moist areas where wood decomposition is common.
Inspect Gill Color
Examine the gills for a pinkish hue, which is a key characteristic of Pluteus species.
Similar Species
Pluteus cervinus
mushroom
Also known as: Deer Mushroom
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Pluteaceae
- Genus
- Pluteus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 2
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: -2
- Refrigeration: 2-3 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any debris from the cap and stem. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if so, pat dry immediately.
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