Craterellus undulatus

Morphological Features:

Pileus of small dimensions, typically measuring 2 to 4 cm in diameter, occasionally slightly larger. It is funnel-shaped like most of its congeners, although somewhat flatter when young and becoming infundibuliform with age. Light brown in color, with the center darker than the margin, and quite matte. The margin is wavy and irregularly crisped.

Lamellae absent; the hymenium is practically smooth, only weakly folded. Light gray in color with ochraceous tinges.

Stipe cylindrical or curved, solid when young (especially at the base), later becoming entirely hollow. Similar in color to the pileus or slightly lighter, sometimes laterally compressed and attenuated at the base.

Flesh of low consistency, scant and fragile, moreover softer than that of other Cantharellus species. Light gray in color, with a pleasant taste and a fungal odor, milder than that of other Cantharellales.

Habitat:

Whenever observed, it has been found under beech trees during the autumn months. An infrequent, rare species.

Observations:

The softer flesh makes it less edible than other mushrooms in its group; it is also a species of more limited stature. We consider it, however, an easily identifiable mushroom, as other Cantharellus species either exhibit darkish tones or possess a yellowish stipe, both features lacking in Pseudocraterellus undulatus.