FIELD BOOK OF COMMON GILLED MUSHROOMS 



a small pit at the center of the cap, a feature which gives the 

 name to the genus, "omphalia" being derived from the Greek 

 word meaning a navel. When mature a few species assume 

 a funnel shape and then resemble some species of Clitocybe, 

 but from these Omphalia may be distinguished by its carti- 

 laginous stem. From species of Mycena, Omphalia is 

 distinguished by its gills which extend down the stem. 



The species of Omphalia grow chiefly on decaying wood or 

 other decaying vegetable matter. Because of their small size, 

 the species of Omphalia are not regarded as important for the 

 table. 



Species of Omphalia 

 Omphalia campanella; Omphalopsis campanella; bell- 

 shaped omphalia. Species 93. Figure 28. 



On dead or rotten logs, stumps, etc.; in woods; in clusters; 

 edible. 



Cap thin; rather tough; convex with a pit or depression at 

 the center (umbilicate) ; often irregular in shape; with delicate 

 radiating lines on the surface (striate); with a water-soaked 

 appearance when moist (hygrophanous) ; yellowish-rusty to 

 dull yellow color; >^ to i inch broad. 



Gills narrow; extending down the stem (decurrent), arched; 

 connected by veins on the under surface of the cap; yellow. 



Stem very slender; polished; pale brown; hollow; adorned 

 with brown hairs at the base; K to i>^ inches long. 



Spores white; nearly elliptic; smooth; glassy (hyaline); 

 6-7 X 3-4 microns in diameter. 



This is one of our prettiest woodland species, found com- 

 monly and widely distributed in Europe and North America 

 on dead coniferous wood. Its color is rather sober but it is 

 conspicuous by reason of its clustered habit and is attractive 

 because of its shapely form. It may be found throughout the 

 growing season. Murpll. 



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