Strobilurus stephanocystis

Morphological Features:

Pileus small, barely 2 to 3 cm in diameter, reddish-brown in color, initially bell-shaped, later plano-convex. It usually presents a small umbo at the center, with an incurved and non-striate margin, and a smooth, non-separable cuticle.

Lamellae white to slightly cream-colored, loosely spaced and somewhat sinuate; attached to the stipe as adnate or occasionally free.

Stipe long relative to the pileus diameter, reddish-brown in the lower portion, lighter near the lamellae. It is cylindrical and typically central, though it may be slightly curved.

Flesh whitish, somewhat elastic in consistency, thin, with a mild, faintly perceptible fungal odor, and a sweet taste.

Habitat:

This mushroom is exclusively spring-fruiting, appearing in gregarious clusters apparently on the soil surface, but actually on buried pine cones; it is quite common.

Observations:

It can be consumed due to its sweet taste but is not particularly attractive for culinary purposes; however, it is a little-known edible spring species. All Strobilurus derive their name from growing saprotrophically on the cones of pines and spruces. Its sweet flavor and reddish tones distinguish it from Strobilurus tenacellus, which is somewhat bitter.