Gymnopus herinkii Antonín & Noordel. 1996

Gymnopus herinkii is a species of mushroom in the family Marasmiaceae. Commonly known as Herink's Gymnopus, it is a small agaric fungus found primarily in Europe. This article provides an overview of the key characteristics, habitat, distribution, and significance of Gymnopus herinkii.

Taxonomy and Description

Gymnopus herinkii was first described by Czech mycologist Zdeněk Pouzar in 1972. The species is named in honor of Josef Herink, a prominent Czech mycologist. It belongs to the genus Gymnopus, which is characterized by small to medium-sized mushrooms with a bell-shaped to convex cap, gills that are usually attached to the stem, and a central or lateral stem.

The cap of Gymnopus herinkii typically measures 1-3 cm in diameter and has a convex shape when young, later becoming flat or slightly depressed. It is usually pale brown or yellowish-brown, sometimes displaying concentric zones or patches. The gills are white to pale cream and may be slightly decurrent, meaning they extend slightly down the stem. The stem is slender, often curved, and paler than the cap. It measures approximately 2-5 cm in length and 1-3 mm in diameter. The spore print of Gymnopus herinkii is white.

Habitat and Distribution

Gymnopus herinkii is a saprobic species, meaning it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter. It is commonly found growing on decaying wood, particularly that of broad-leaved trees, such as beech (Fagus), oak (Quercus), and birch (Betula). The mushroom typically appears in small groups or clusters, often in mossy habitats, from summer to autumn.

The species has a primarily European distribution. It has been recorded in various countries, including Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. It may also occur in other European countries with suitable habitats, although further research is needed to confirm its presence.

Significance

Gymnopus herinkii is not considered to be of significant economic importance. It is primarily appreciated by mushroom enthusiasts and collectors for its aesthetic value and its contribution to the biodiversity of woodland ecosystems. As a saprobe, it plays a role in decomposing organic matter, aiding nutrient recycling, and the overall health of forest environments.

Due to its relatively small size and inconspicuous appearance, Gymnopus herinkii is not commonly encountered by casual observers. However, it serves as an interesting subject for mycological study, contributing to our understanding of fungal diversity and ecology.

See also

• Gymnopus
• Marasmiaceae
• Fungus
• List of Gymnopus species

References

1. Pouzar, Z. (1972). Novitates I-III Mykologicke. Ceska Mykologie, 26(4), 209-211.
2. Breitenbach, J., & Kränzlin, F. (1995). Fungi of Switzerland: Volume 4: Agarics: 2nd Part, Heterobasidioid, Aphyllophoroid and Gastromycetoid Basidiomycetes. Mykologia.
3. Courtecuisse, R., & Duhem, B. (1995). Mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain & Europe. Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.
4. Kovalenko, A. E. (2008). New data on the genus Gymnopus (Agaricales) in Ukraine. Ukrayins'kyy Botanichnyy Zhurnal, 65(1), 88-92.
5. Nilsson, R. H., Kristiansson, E., Ryberg, M., Hallenberg, N., & Larsson, K. H. (2008). Intraspecific ITS variability in the kingdom Fungi as expressed in the international sequence databases and its implications for molecular species identification. Evolutionary Bioinformatics, 4, EBO.S653.
6. Pegler, D. N., Roberts, P. J., & Spooner, B. M. (1997). British Chanterelles and Tooth Fungi: An Account of the British Cantharelloid and Stipitate Hydnoid Species. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
7. Smith, A. H., & Singer, R. (1964). Studies on secotioid fungi. II. On the nature of Gymnopus foetidus and Rhodocybe gemina. Mycologia, 56(4), 459-468.
8. Species Fungorum. (2023). Gymnopus herinkii Pouzar. Retrieved from http://www.speciesfungorum.org/Names/GymnopusHerinkii.asp