Galerina pumila - Галерина карликовая - Dwarf Galerina

Galerina pumila - Галерина карликовая - Dwarf Galerina - Zwergige Galerina 9/19—10/1/22

Galerina pumila, commonly known as the Dwarf Galerina or Zwergige Galerina, is a small basidiomycete mushroom belonging to the family Hymenogastraceae. It is characterized by a convex to bell-shaped cap, measuring 0.5-1.5 cm in diameter, with a smooth surface and a color that ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown. The stem is slender, measuring 1-4 cm long and 0.1-0.2 cm thick, with a yellowish-brown to dark brown color and a smooth texture. The gills are narrowly spaced, adnate to adnexed, and yellowish-brown in color. Galerina pumila is known for its small size, which distinguishes it from other Galerina species. This fungus is primarily distributed across Europe and North America, where it can be found in forests, growing on decaying wood or plant debris, particularly in wet or marshy areas. It prefers moist, acidic environments and can be encountered from late spring to late autumn. The spores of Galerina pumila are smooth, ellipsoidal, and measure approximately 7-9 x 4-5 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. Galerina pumila is considered inedible and potentially toxic, as some species within the Galerina genus contain deadly toxins, such as amatoxins. Mushroom foragers should exercise caution when collecting mushrooms to avoid misidentification and accidental consumption of toxic species.