Leucopaxillus gentianeus is a bitter-tasting, inedible mushroom commonly known as the bitter false funnelcap, or the bitter brown leucopaxillus. A common synonym is Leucopaxillus amarus. The bitter taste is caused by a triterpene

Triterpene

Triterpenes are terpenes consisting of six isoprene units and have the molecular formula C30H48.The pentacyclic triterpenes can be classified into lupane, oleanane or ursane groups.Animal- and plant-derived triterpenes exist, such as:*squalene...

 called cucurbitacin B.

Description

The cap typically measures from 5 to 15 cm diameter, and is colored brown to reddish brown. The gills are white, crowded and adnate in attachment. The white stem, either cylindrical or bulbous near the base, is attached to a copious mycelial mat.

External links

• Index Fungorum Synonyms
• Mushroom Expert Description and more information
• Medicinal Mushrooms Description and discussion of bioactive compounds and medicinal properties