Ampulloclitocybe clavipes - Ампуллоговорушка булавоногая - Club-footed Clitocybe - Keulenfuß-Trichterling 9/19/22
Ampulloclitocybe clavipes, commonly known as the Club-footed Clitocybe or Keulenfuß-Trichterling, is a medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom belonging to the family Tricholomataceae. It is characterized by a convex to funnel-shaped cap, measuring 3-10 cm in diameter, with a smooth surface and a color that varies from light brown to grayish-brown. The stem is thick and club-shaped, measuring 4-10 cm long and 1-3 cm thick, with a whitish to pale brown color and a somewhat fibrous texture. The gills are decurrent, crowded, and white to cream-colored.
Ampulloclitocybe clavipes is known for its distinctive club-shaped stem, which sets it apart from other Clitocybe 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 summer to late autumn.
The spores of Ampulloclitocybe clavipes are smooth, elliptical, and measure approximately 5-7 x 3-4 µm. 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. Ampulloclitocybe clavipes is considered edible, although its taste is rather bland, and it is not highly valued as a culinary ingredient. Mushroom foragers should exercise caution when collecting mushrooms, as misidentification can lead to accidental consumption of toxic species.
Ampulloclitocybe clavipes - Ампуллоговорушка булавоногая - Club-footed Clitocybe - Keulenfuß-Trichterling