Leucocoprinus cepistipes is a type of mushroom that is often found in gardens, greenhouses, and plant pots. It is also known as the "Onion-Stalked Mushroom" because its stem resembles that of an onion.
- Cap: The cap of this mushroom is small, usually about 2-5 cm in diameter. It starts out rounded and becomes more flat as it grows. The color can range from white to a pale yellow.
- Gills: Underneath the cap, you will find gills that are free (not attached to the stem) and are white in color.
- Stem: The stem is thin, white, and can grow up to 7 cm tall. It is often hollow and has a slight bulge at the base, similar to an onion stalk.
- Spores: The spores of Leucocoprinus cepistipes are white.
Leucocoprinus cepistipes thrives in warm, humid environments. You will often see it growing in gardens, especially where there is rich soil and plenty of organic matter. It can also appear in greenhouses and plant pots, feeding on decaying plant material.
While some species of Leucocoprinus are edible, it is not recommended to eat Leucocoprinus cepistipes. Its edibility is not well-documented, and consuming unknown mushrooms can be dangerous.
- Leucocoprinus cepistipes is part of the Agaricaceae family, which includes many other small, delicate mushrooms.
- It is saprotrophic, meaning it feeds on dead or decaying organic matter, playing an important role in breaking down and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.
Leucocoprinus cepistipes is a small but fascinating mushroom that can often be found in gardens and greenhouses. While it may not be edible, it plays a crucial role in the environment by helping to decompose organic matter. Next time you see a tiny mushroom with an onion-like stem, you might just be looking at a Leucocoprinus cepistipes!
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