A Focus on Species >> Inocybe lacera

Inocybe lacera(Fr.) P. Kummer

Inocybe lacera is in most respects a typical species of Inocybe. Like many members of its genus I. lacera occurs in disturbed habitats colonized by young trees and shrubs. Its cap is fibrous or scaly and dry. Young fruiting bodies have a fibrous veil similar to that in the related genus Cortinarius. The spore print is a dull brown colour. Under the microscope I. lacera has thick walled cystidia with crystals at their apex typical of the genus. Its most characteristic feature is the shape of its basidiospores which are long, slightly angular and resemble shoes.

As far as we know all species of Inocybe form mycorrhizae; that is, their microscopic filaments (hyphae) become closely associated with the roots of certain woody plants, bringing about a mutually beneficial relationship. Inocybe lacera is found in New Brunswick associated with birch and fir but it is not clear which of these, if not both, is its mycorrhizal partner. It can be found throughout the growing season and may be one of the earlier species to occur in the spring.

There is a discussion and illustration of another New Brunswick collection (25-09-18/03) of this species in the Checklist section of this website.

Photo: D. Malloch