Tricholoma ustaloides
Encyclopedia
Tricholoma ustaloides is a species
of mushroom
in the large genus Tricholoma. It has a widespread distribution in Europe, where it is typically found in association with oak
and beech
trees. Although generally considered inedible, it is consumed by some in Mexico.
The cap
is red-brown or chestnut-brown with a paler margin, very sticky when moist, and has a diameter of 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 in). The overall shape of the cap is bell-like when young, later flattening to a more irregular convex shape in maturity, and often developing a lobed appearance. The margins of the caps are usually turned inwards. The gills are crowded together, adnate or emarginate in attachment to the stipe
, and white or a light ochraceous yellow with dark brown stains when old or bruised. The stipe is 4 to 10 cm (1.6 to 3.9 in) long by 1 to 2 cm (0.393700787401575 to 0.78740157480315 in) thick, roughly spindle-shaped (fusiform), with red-brown fibrils and a sharply defined zone of white color at the stalk apex, especially in more mature specimens. The flesh
is white or cream, smelling strongly of meal
, with a bitter taste.
Spore
s have a roughly spherical or ellipsoid shape, are hyaline
, smooth, non-amyloid
, and have dimensions of 5.5—7.0 x 4.5—5.5 µm
. Basidia are 4-spored and cystidia are absent.
.
Although relatively rare, it has a widespread distribution in Europe
, limited by the presence of its preferred tree hosts. Its first recorded appearance in Mexico
was 1984.
and Topilejo, communities near Mexico City
.
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of mushroom
Mushroom
A mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or on its food source. The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus; hence the word "mushroom" is most often applied to those fungi that...
in the large genus Tricholoma. It has a widespread distribution in Europe, where it is typically found in association with oak
Oak
An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus , of which about 600 species exist. "Oak" may also appear in the names of species in related genera, notably Lithocarpus...
and beech
Beech
Beech is a genus of ten species of deciduous trees in the family Fagaceae, native to temperate Europe, Asia and North America.-Habit:...
trees. Although generally considered inedible, it is consumed by some in Mexico.
Description
Pileus (mycology)
The pileus is the technical name for the cap, or cap-like part, of a basidiocarp or ascocarp that supports a spore-bearing surface, the hymenium. The hymenium may consist of lamellae, tubes, or teeth, on the underside of the pileus...
is red-brown or chestnut-brown with a paler margin, very sticky when moist, and has a diameter of 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 in). The overall shape of the cap is bell-like when young, later flattening to a more irregular convex shape in maturity, and often developing a lobed appearance. The margins of the caps are usually turned inwards. The gills are crowded together, adnate or emarginate in attachment to the stipe
Stipe (mycology)
thumb|150px|right|Diagram of a [[basidiomycete]] stipe with an [[annulus |annulus]] and [[volva |volva]]In mycology a stipe refers to the stem or stalk-like feature supporting the cap of a mushroom. Like all tissues of the mushroom other than the hymenium, the stipe is composed of sterile hyphal...
, and white or a light ochraceous yellow with dark brown stains when old or bruised. The stipe is 4 to 10 cm (1.6 to 3.9 in) long by 1 to 2 cm (0.393700787401575 to 0.78740157480315 in) thick, roughly spindle-shaped (fusiform), with red-brown fibrils and a sharply defined zone of white color at the stalk apex, especially in more mature specimens. The flesh
Trama
Trama may refer to:* Trama , a genus of aphid* Trama , a mushroom's "flesh"* Trama , a Peruvian band* Spanish and Portuguese for plot* a medium access control protocol for sensor networks ....
is white or cream, smelling strongly of meal
Flour
Flour is a powder which is made by grinding cereal grains, other seeds or roots . It is the main ingredient of bread, which is a staple food for many cultures, making the availability of adequate supplies of flour a major economic and political issue at various times throughout history...
, with a bitter taste.
Spore
Spore
In biology, a spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many bacteria, plants, algae, fungi and some protozoa. According to scientist Dr...
s have a roughly spherical or ellipsoid shape, are hyaline
Hyaline
The term hyaline denotes a substance with a glass-like appearance.-Histopathology:In histopathological medical usage, a hyaline substance appears glassy and pink after being stained with haematoxylin and eosin — usually it is an acellular, proteinaceous material...
, smooth, non-amyloid
Amyloid
Amyloids are insoluble fibrous protein aggregates sharing specific structural traits. Abnormal accumulation of amyloid in organs may lead to amyloidosis, and may play a role in various neurodegenerative diseases.-Definition:...
, and have dimensions of 5.5—7.0 x 4.5—5.5 µm
Micrometre
A micrometer , is by definition 1×10-6 of a meter .In plain English, it means one-millionth of a meter . Its unit symbol in the International System of Units is μm...
. Basidia are 4-spored and cystidia are absent.
Habitat and distribution
This mycorrhizal species typically grows in small groups, and is often found near trees in the genera Quercus and FagusBeech
Beech is a genus of ten species of deciduous trees in the family Fagaceae, native to temperate Europe, Asia and North America.-Habit:...
.
Although relatively rare, it has a widespread distribution in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, limited by the presence of its preferred tree hosts. Its first recorded appearance in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
was 1984.
Edibility
Despite its inedible status by some sources, Tricholoma ustaloides is consumed by the inhabitants of AjuscoAjusco
Ajusco is a lava dome volcano located just south of Mexico City, Mexico, in the Tlalpan borough of the city. It is the highest point in the Mexican Federal District, which contains Mexico City.-Etymology:...
and Topilejo, communities near Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
.