Crepidotus variabilis - Variable Oysterling

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Crepidotus variabilis is a tiny, kidney-shaped fungus that appears on dead twigs of broad-leaved trees in autumn and winter. The attachment is virtually always sessile (having no stem).

Many authorities give this genus family status as Crepidotaceae, while others include the genus Crepidotus within the family Inocybaceae; this should be a warning that these little fungi are not for eating, as some Inocybe species are deadly poisonous.

Identification guide

	Cap The cap is initially white, turning creamy-ochre with age. The fruitbody is nearly always laterally attached to its substrate - usually small twigs - via its cap, rather than with a stipe. Typically 0.5 to 2cm in diameter and often slightly lobed.
	Gills The gills, which radiate from the point of attachment, are moderately crowded. White at first, they gradually turn yellow-brown or buff.
Stem	Almost invariably no stipe at all.
Spore print	Pinkish buff.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	On twigs in deciduous and mixed woodland and at the base of hedgerows.
Season	August to November.
Occurrence	Very common.
Similar species	Crepidotus mollis is larger and its cap has small scales on an ochre background.