Clitocybe dealbata, also known as the ivory funnel, is a small white funnel-shaped basidiomycete fungus widely found in lawns, meadows and other grassy areas in Europe and North America. Also known as the sweating mushroom, or sweat producing clitocybe,[1] it derives these names from the symptoms of poisoning. It contains potentially deadly levels of muscarine.
Taxonomy and naming
Clitocybe dealbata was initially described by BritishnaturalistJames Sowerby in 1799 as Agaricus dealbatus,[2] its specific epithet derived from the Late Latin verb dealbare 'to whitewash',[3] inexorably calling to mind the Biblical "whited sepulchre", that is outwardly pleasing but inwardly toxic. It gained its current genus name in 1874 when reclassified by French naturalist Claude Casimir Gillet.[4] However, this species is often considered a synonym of Clitocybe rivulosa[5] and according to Bon[6] the name C. dealbata may be invalid (a nomen dubium) as James Sowerby's definition conflicts with Elias Magnus Fries's.
Description
A small white or white dusted with buff-coloured mushroom, the 2–4 cm diameter cap is flattened to depressed with adnate to decurrent crowded white gills. The stipe is 2–4 cm tall and 0.5–1 cm wide. The spore print is white. There is no distinctive taste or smell.[7][8]
The ivory funnel is found in grassy habitats in summer and autumn. Often gregarious, it can form fairy rings.[11] Unfortunately, they often occur in grassy areas where they may be encountered by children or pets. This may increase risk of accidental consumption.[12]