Entoloma serrulatum - Энтолома мелкозазубренная - Serrulate Entoloma

Entoloma serrulatum - Энтолома мелкозазубренная - Serrulate Entoloma - Feinsägezähnlicher Rötling 9/20/22

Entoloma serrulatum, known as the Serrulate Entoloma or Feinsägezähnlicher Rötling in German, is a small to medium-sized mushroom species belonging to the Entolomataceae family. The cap of this fungus ranges from 1.5 to 5 cm in diameter, with a convex to flattened shape and a slightly depressed center. The cap surface is smooth, with colors varying from grayish-brown to dark brown, often with a bluish tint. The gills of Entoloma serrulatum are adnate to adnexed (narrowly attached to the stem) and have a characteristic dark edge, which gives the species its common name. The gills are initially whitish but become pink as the spores mature. The stem is 3-8 cm tall and 0.3-0.8 cm thick, with a white to grayish color and a smooth surface. Entoloma serrulatum can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia, growing in both deciduous and coniferous forests. It is often found on the ground or on decaying wood, particularly in well-drained areas, from late summer to autumn. The chemistry of Entoloma serrulatum has not been extensively studied, and its edibility remains uncertain. However, due to its small size and potential toxicity, it is not considered a desirable edible mushroom. The spores of Entoloma serrulatum are pink, angular, and measure 8-12 x 6-9 micrometers. They are produced in basidia and released into the environment for reproduction and dispersal. Although not a well-known species, Entoloma serrulatum is distinctive due to its serrulate gill edges and bluish cap coloration. It can serve as an indicator species for the health of forest ecosystems where it is found.