Flammulaster muricatus - Фламмуластер шиповатый - Spiny Flammulaster - Stacheliger Flammulaster 9/20/22

Flammulaster muricatus, commonly known as the Spiny Flammulaster, is a small agaric mushroom belonging to the family Tubariaceae. The cap of this mushroom ranges from 1 to 4 cm in diameter, and is initially convex before becoming broadly convex or almost flat. The cap surface is adorned with small, pointed, spiny warts, giving it a distinctive appearance. The cap color varies from ochre to cinnamon brown or reddish-brown, sometimes with a slightly darker center. The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, narrow, and moderately crowded, with a pale to ochre-brown color. The stipe is slender, measuring 2 to 7 cm in length and 0.1 to 0.3 cm in diameter, and is typically pale brown with a darker base. The stipe is cylindrical, sometimes with a slightly swollen base. Flammulaster muricatus has a brown spore print, and its spores are elliptical, measuring 6-9 x 3.5-5 µm. The spores are smooth and have a germ pore. The Spiny Flammulaster is a saprotrophic species, growing on rotting wood and woody debris, particularly in deciduous forests. It can be found in Europe and North America. This mushroom usually fruits in small groups or clusters, from autumn to early winter. Although Flammulaster muricatus is not toxic, it is not considered edible due to its small size and lack of culinary value. The Spiny Flammulaster plays a significant ecological role in breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients in forest ecosystems. It is essential to exercise caution when identifying Flammulaster muricatus, as several small brown mushrooms may resemble it, and a microscope may be necessary for accurate identification.