Pseudoclitocybe cyathiformis - Goblet

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Appearing in late autumn, these dark funnel-shaped caps on tall scaly stems are very easily recognised. Pseudoclitocybe cyathiformis usually grows in woodland, on decayed hardwood. It is the type species of this small genus, of which only three species are known to occur in Britain.

Despite its drab appearance, this is reputed to be an edible species, although the stem is very tough and should certainly be discarded.

Identification Guide

Because of the funnel shape of its cap plus the long stem, this sombre woodland mushroom has been given the common name of The Goblet.

In some reference books you will find this species under the scientific name of Clitocybe cyathiformis.

	Cap The dark cap is strongly funnel shaped and grows to between 4 and 8cm in diameter. Variously dark grey-brown or leather brown, the smooth caps retain an inrolled margin.
	Gills The gills are decurrent and forked - it is this forking which differentiates Pseudoclitocybe species from the Clitocybe funnel caps. White at first, the gills turn greyish-beige as the fruiting body matures.
	Stem 5 to 10mm in diameter, the grey fibrous stems grow to between 6 and 10cm tall. and thicken slightly towards the base, which is sometimes clavate. The stem is covered in longitudinal silky brown striations. There is no stem ring.
Spore print	Creamy-white.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	On soil or well rotted stumps in mixed woodland.
Season	September to December and occasionally into early spring.
Occurrence	Infrequent.
Similar species	Unlikely to be confused with any other species.