Xerula radicata
Xerula radicata, commonly known as the deep root mushroom or the rooting shank, is a widespread Agaric readily identified by its deeply rooted stalk (stipe). It is synonymous with Oudemansiella radicata.
| Xerula radicata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Hymenopellis radicata | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| Species: | H. radicata |
| Binomial name | |
| Hymenopellis radicata (Relhan) Dörfelt | |
| Synonyms | |
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Xerula radicata Oudemansiella radicata | |
| Xerula radicata | |
|---|---|
 float | |
 | gills on hymenium |
 | cap is flat or umbonate |
 | stipe is bare |
 | spore print is white |
 | ecology is saprotrophic |
 | edibility: edible |
Description
The cap is medium to large, flat, grayish or yellowish brown and streaked, with a central hump and has a size of between 5 - 12.5 cm. The surface of the cap is sticky or slimy when moist, with the underside displaying wide white gills, or Lamella. The brittle stalk tapers at both ends and is nearly white above to brown below the soil.[1]
The stem grows into a long deeply rooting tap root until it touches a piece of wood. This may grow up to 20 cm in length in some specimens.[2]
Similar species
Similar to Oudemansiella longipes.
References
- McKnight, Kent H. and McKnight, Vera B.(1987) A Field Guide to Mushrooms North America. New York, NY: Houston Mifflin Company
- Kibby, Geoffrey (2004-04-20). Mushrooms and Fungi. London: Chrysalis Children's Books. ISBN 9781903954805.