Big Laughing Gym Gymnopilus junonius (Fries) P.D. Orton, 1960    Synonyms: Complex Gymnopilus junonius, Gymnopilus spectabilis.
Kingdom Fungi   >   Phylum Basidiomycota   >   Class Agaricomycetes   >   Order Agaricales   >   Family Hymenogastraceae   >   Genus Gymnopilus   

Status:

This species has been widely reported in eastern North America, including Maryland. However, a recent study (Thorn et al. 2020, Botany 98: 293-315) suggested that this species may not occur in North America. Additional research is needed to determine its distribution. Microscopic or molecular analysis is necessary to identify species in this species group.

Description:

Hallucinogenic. The context turns red-brown with 10% KOH. Mustard-yellow gills and bright rusty-orange spore print are good field marks (L. Biechele, pers. comm.).

There are 11 records in the project database.

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Big Laughing Gym in Howard Co., Maryland (10/28/2020). (c) smuller, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Sue Muller. (MBP list)

Big Laughing Gym in Howard Co., Maryland (10/28/2020). (c) smuller, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Sue Muller. (MBP list)

Spores of Big Laughing Gym in Howard Co., Maryland (10/28/2020). (c) smuller, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Sue Muller. (MBP list)

A Big Laughing Gym in Somerset Co., Maryland (10/23/2014). Note cracked pileus caused by drying out during a dry spell. Photo by Lance Biechele. (MBP list)

Big Laughing Gym in Prince George's Co., Maryland (11/10/2018). Determined by Jo and Bob Solem on the basis of macro traits only. Photo by Anne Looker. (MBP list)

Big Laughing Gym in Prince George's Co., Maryland (11/10/2018). Determined by Jo and Bob Solem on the basis of macro traits only. Photo by Anne Looker. (MBP list)

Big Laughing Gym in Prince George's Co., Maryland (11/10/2018). Determined by Jo and Bob Solem on the basis of macro traits only. Photo by Anne Looker. (MBP list)

A Big Laughing Gym in Wicomico Co., Maryland (10/14/2014). Photo by Lance Biechele. (MBP list)


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