Xeromphalina cauticinalis - Ксеромфалина стеблевидная - Sweet-gum waxcap

Xeromphalina cauticinalis - Ксеромфалина стеблевидная - Sweet-gum waxcap - Gemeiner Hartriegel-Holzrasling 10/9/22

Xeromphalina cauticinalis is a species of mushroom in the family Hygrophoraceae. It is a small, fragile, stem fungus with a cap diameter ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 cm and a stem length of 1-4 cm. The cap is usually convex or bell-shaped, but can also be slightly flat or conical, and ranges in color from yellowish-brown to orange-brown. The stem is slender, sometimes curved, and can be white or slightly colored like the cap. The gills are crowded together and the spore print is white. X. cauticinalis is a saprobic fungus, which means it obtains nutrients from decomposing organic matter. It is commonly found on decaying leaves, sticks, and twigs of various hardwoods, particularly sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), but can also be found on other hardwoods. The fungus is distributed throughout Europe and North America, and can be found in temperate and boreal forests. This species contains a number of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. Studies have also shown that X. cauticinalis can accumulate heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, from the environment, making it a potential tool for bioremediation. The spores of X. cauticinalis are ellipsoid in shape and measure 4-6 x 2-3 μm. The basidia, which are responsible for producing spores, are four-spored. The species is thought to be edible, but it is not commonly consumed. In addition, recent genetic studies have shown that the genus Xeromphalina is polyphyletic, meaning that it does not form a natural, monophyletic group. This suggests that the classification of X. cauticinalis and other species in the genus may change in the future as more research is conducted.