Inocybe acuta - Волоконница острая - Pointed Fibrecap - Spitzer Faserling 9/4/21
Inocybe acuta, also known as the Pointed Fibrecap or Spitzer Faserling, is a small to medium-sized, mycorrhizal basidiomycete mushroom belonging to the Inocybaceae family. It features a conical to bell-shaped cap, measuring 1.5-5 cm in diameter, with a pointed apex and a smooth, silky surface. The cap color varies from light brown to yellowish-brown or ochre. The stem is slender, measuring 3-8 cm long and 0.3-0.6 cm thick, with a whitish to pale brown color and a fibrous texture. The gills are adnate to adnexed, initially pale and becoming brownish as the spores mature.
Inocybe acuta is known for its characteristic sharp, pointed cap, which distinguishes it from other Inocybe species. This fungus is primarily distributed across Europe and North America, where it can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, forming mycorrhizal associations with various tree species, including oak, beech, and birch. It prefers moist, nutrient-rich soil and can be encountered from late spring to late autumn.
The spores of Inocybe acuta are smooth, elliptical, and measure approximately 7-10 x 4-6 µm. Like other Inocybe species, it produces a large number of spores, with a single mature fruiting body capable of releasing millions of them. These spores are dispersed by the wind, allowing the fungus to colonize new areas. Inocybe acuta is considered inedible and potentially toxic, as it contains the toxic alkaloid muscarine, which can cause symptoms such as sweating, salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Foragers should exercise caution when collecting mushrooms to avoid accidental poisoning.
Inocybe acuta - Волоконница острая - Pointed Fibrecap - Spitzer Faserling