Clitocybe vibecina

Description

Clitocybe vibecina is a common, inedible mushroom of the genus Clitocybe. It often grows in rings on needle litter, usually late in the year.

The cap is depressed in the center with a down-turned margin. When moist, it is dark grey with a brownish-gray center. It grows up to 5 cm in diameter. The gills are grey, rather thick and a little decurrent. The flesh is watery, grey and has a rancid smell.

Common names: Mealy Funnel.

Mushroom Identification

1. Cap

   Umbilicated with a down-turned margin, rarely funnel-shaped. When moist, it is dark grey with a brownish-gray center, striped and whitish-gray when dry. It grows up to 5 cm in diameter.

2. Gills

   The gills are grey, rather thick and a little decurrent.

3. Stem

   The stem is grey to white.

4. Flesh

   The flesh is watery, grey and has a rancid smell.

5. Spores

   White.

6. Similar Species

   Clitocybe ditopus is larger, with a grey cap when moist and white when dry. The ribs are absent.

History

The common name is derived from the mealy smell and the funnel-shaped cap on mature specimens.

The Latin vibicina means "with weals or welts (vibices)" and would seem to describe the slightly raised striations of the cap.

Photo sources:

Photo 1 - Author: James Lindsey (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Photo 2 - Author: Ron Pastorino (Ronpast) (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo 3 - Author: Strobilomyces (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo 4 - Author: cbird (CC BY-SA 3.0)