Community find

Conical Brittlestem

Parasola conopilea

Group

gilled mushroom

Season

These types of mushrooms are typically found from spring through autumn, often appearing after rainfall on lawns, meadows, pastures, and other grassy areas.

Habitat

The mushroom is shown growing out of what appears to be soil amidst grass and dried plant matter. This suggests it grows on the ground in grassy areas, meadows, or disturbed ground.

Key characteristics

The mushroom in the image appears to be a small gilled mushroom with a conical to campanulate (bell-shaped) cap that has prominent radial striations, especially visible towards the margin. The color of the cap seems to be brownish or grayish-brown, possibly with a slightly darker, more yellowish or orange-brown central disc. The stem is slender and white. The gills are likely adnate or adnexed and can be seen as the prominent lines under the cap.

Look-alikes

Similar-looking species include other members of the genus Parasola or Coprinellus, which are often small, delicate, and have striate caps. Distinguishing features can involve microscopic characteristics of spores and cystidia, as well as subtle differences in cap shape, color, and deliquescence (self-digesting gills).

Ecological role

This mushroom is likely saprophytic, meaning it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter. It plays a role in nutrient cycling, breaking down organic debris in its habitat and returning nutrients to the soil.