Page author: Julie Jones
Macrocystidia cucumis
cucumber cap, cucumber-scented mushroom
Specimens
Photos

Distribution: Usually found in nutrient-rich soils among herbaceous plants in gardens and parks rather than in forests (although it can occur there, usually along trailsides).

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Description:
Identification Notes:

Macrocystidia cucumis has spores with a reddish brown tint and, in the field, might be confused with entolomas. However, the overall coloration and its smooth ellipsoid spores are very different. The reddish brown cap with a pale yellowish edge and blackish to red-brown velvety stipe are distinctive, as is the strong cucmber or fishy odor. Microscopically, the presence of large lance-shaped cystidia on the cap, stipe, and edge and faces of the gills clinches the identification and accounts for the genus name.

Accepted Name:
Macrocystidia cucumis (Pers. ex Fr.) Joss.

Synonyms & Misapplications:
(none provided)
Additional Resources:

PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Macrocystidia cucumis in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database

CalPhotos: Macrocystidia cucumis photos

4 photographs:
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