Fleshy Fungi of New Brunswick >> Marasmius lachnophyllus

Marasmius lachnophyllus (Berk.) Morgan

Clustered (several) at the base of a dead burnt hardwood tree (probably Acer saccharum) in mixed forest of Acer saccharum, Betula alleghaniensis, B. papyrifera and Abies balsamea, Nepisiguit Protected Natural Area, New Brunswick (15-08-16/08).

Basidiospores white in spore print, dacryoid, smooth, without iodine reactions, 6.4-8.7 X 3.1-4.1 μm, D/d = 1.71-2.52 (average[34]: 7.4 X 3.6 μm, D/d = 2.09). Lamellae with sharp setae on the sides and edges. Pileipellis a hymenoderm of irregularly clavate broom cells bearing long spine-like protuberances.

Marasmius lachnophyllus is often treated as the variety M. cohaerens var. lachnophyllus. It differs from M. cohaerens var. cohaerens in having close to crowded, narrow lamellae and in its pruinose versus glabrous stipe.

This little mushroom is well-armed, being covered over its cap, gills and stipe with sharp spines. It's tempting to view these spines as a deterrent to grazing insects and slugs, but there is no direct evidence that this is so. They may just as well serve to hold moisture or to perform some other function.

Photograph: D. Malloch (15-08-16/08).