Oudemansiella gigaspora
Oudemansiella gigaspora
True to its name 'gigaspora', this species produces microscopic spores that are significantly larger than those of its close mushroom relatives.
- Scientific name
- Oudemansiella gigaspora
- Taxonomy
- Fungi › Basidiomycota › Agaricomycetes › Agaricales › Physalacriaceae › Oudemansiella
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Temperate and subtropical deciduous forests, growing on decaying logs and fallen hardwood branches.
- Diet
- Saprotrophic, absorbing nutrients from decomposing wood, cellulose, and lignin.
- Range
- China, Japan, South Korea, Russian Far East
- Size
- Cap diameter of 3 to 8 cm; stem height of 5 to 12 cm.
- Lifespan
- The underground mycelium network can live for decades, while the visible mushroom cap lasts only 5 to 10 days.
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Habitat loss, intensive forestry management that removes deadwood, and microclimate drying.
- Safe to approach?
- This mushroom is harmless to touch, but should never be consumed as wild fungi require expert identification. Safe to observe up close. If accidentally ingested, seek medical attention immediately.
Photo: Rod Lowther, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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