The trooping funnel mushroom, Infundibulicybe geotropa, can grow in fairy rings over half a mile wide. It is a large funnel-shaped fungus with a sturdy cream or buff colour, and it is also known as the monk's head.
This basidiomycete grows widely in Europe and North America, mostly in mixed woodlands. It often appears in troops, so several fruiting bodies can be found together in the same area.
It is considered edible, but it can be confused with several poisonous species of similar colour and size. That overlap makes it a useful subject for learning how look-alikes differ.
Fruiting Body and Identification
The most reliable feature is the funnel-shaped cap, which is cream or buff in colour. In young specimens the cap is convex with inrolled margins and has a prominent central boss. As the mushroom ages, the cap opens into a more funnel-like shape. The cap may reach 20 cm (8 in) in diameter.
The decurrent gills run down the stem and are the same colour as the cap. The stem is bulbous, wider at the base, and stands 10–20 cm (4–8 in) high. In young specimens the stem looks large in relation to the small cap. The flesh is white and firm in young specimens.
The spore print is white, which helps separate it from some look-alikes. The smell is sweet and has been likened to bitter almonds.
Distribution and Habitat
The species grows widely in Europe and is less common in North America. It is found in mixed woodlands, especially grassy clearings, where it forms troops or fairy rings.
In Europe it is abundant and widespread, and it is most often seen from August to November. Its presence peaks in October and November, with a smaller rise in August.
The mycelium is complex and can spread into large rings. A fairy ring at Belfort in eastern France has been reported at over half a mile (about 0.8 km) in diameter.
Photos
Photographs from via iNaturalist, licensed under CC0 1.0., by guywallbanks via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Florencia Grattarola via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Gerry van Tonder via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Paul Kirkland and Kay Taylor via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by F. Bemmerlein-Lux via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by R Mitchell via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Sheelagh Halsey via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Daisy Cadet via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., and by Christoph Moning via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., credited on each photo.
Ecology and classification
Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Tricholomataceae
- Genus
- Infundibulicybe
- Species
- Infundibulicybe geotropa
Sources
- GBIF Species names and classification
- iNaturalist Photos
- Wikidata Common names and conservation status
- Wikipedia Summary extract
