Gymnopilus subspectabilis
π·οΈ Description
Gymnopilus subspectabilis, affectionately nicknamed the Big Laughing Mushroom, is a spectacular species of fungus from the Hymenogastraceae family. Known for its psychoactive properties due to the presence of psilocybin, this mushroom is both a scientific marvel and a striking woodland find. Letβs dive into its fascinating traits!
π§’ Cap
Size: 2β7" (5.5β18 cm), ranging from convex when young to flat with maturity.
Surface: Dry and scaly or finely fibrillose, especially towards the edges; becomes more scaly with age.
Color: Pale yellow, transitioning to grayish or brownish-orange when bruised.
Margin: Inrolled when young.
Flesh: Pale yellow, developing brownish-orange tones at the base.
π Gills
Attachment: Broadly attached or adnate.
Color: White to pale yellow, bruising brownish-orange or light brown.
Spacing: Close and uniform.
π Stem
Size: 2β7" tall (5β18 cm) and 0.4β1.1" (1β3 cm) thick.
Shape: Parallel sides tapering to a sharp base; occasionally swelling in the middle.
Surface: Moist, nearly scaly or finely fibrillose.
Color: Pale yellow above a thin, membranous annulus (ring); below the ring, grayish-orange discoloration is common.
π§ͺ Spores
Spores: Rusty brown, ellipsoid with roughened surfaces and conical points; darken in KOH.
Dimensions: 7.1β10 Γ 4.4β6.2 ΞΌm.
Cystidia: Abundant pleurocystidia and cheilocystidia, often flask- or bowling-pin-shaped.
Basidia: Four-spored, club- to cylinder-shaped, with central constriction.
π³ Habitat
Found saprotrophically on hardwood stumps, logs, and buried wood.
Grows singly or in large clumps, primarily in deciduous forests.
Thrives during moist seasons, decomposing organic matter and enriching the soil.
β οΈ Look-Alikes
Galerina marginata (Deadly) β Light brown spores.
Omphalotus illudens (Toxic) β Yellow spores.
Tricholomopsis sp. (Inedible) β Cream-colored spores.
Cortinarius sp. (Potentially toxic) β Rusty spores.
π Fun Facts & Caution
Known for inducing hallucinogenic effects due to psilocybin, causing altered perception and euphoria.
Taste: Bitter.
Odor: Strong mushroom scent.
IMPORTANT: Always practice caution when foraging! Proper identification and expert guidance are essential due to similarities with toxic species.
Photo sources:
Photo 1-2 - Author: Annie Weissman (Public Domain)
Photo 3 - Author: Sus scrofa (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 4 - Author: Annie Weissman (Public Domain)