Leucocoprinus bulbipes is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Agaricaceae.[1][2]
It was described in 1856 by the French mycologist Jean Pierre François Camille Montagne who classified it as Agricus (Lepiota) bulbipes.[3] Montagne's description was based upon specimens collected by Hugh Algernon Weddell on his expeditions in South America.[3]
In 1887 it was reclassified as Lepiota bulbipes by the Italian mycologist Pier Andrea Saccardo[4] and then as Mastocephalus bulbipes in 1891 by the German botanist Otto Kunze,[5] however Kunze's Mastocephalus genus, along with most of 'Revisio generum plantarum' was not widely accepted by the scientific community of the age so it remained a Lepiota. Likewise Kunze's later classification as Chamaeceras bulbipes was not accepted.
In 1987 it was reclassified as Leucocoprinus bulbipes by the mycologist Jörg Raithelhuber.[6]
Raithelhuber also notes that Lepiota cinerascens as described by Carlo Luigi Spegazzini in 1898 may be a synonym however this name was invalid as it had already been used by Lucien Quélet in 1894[7] and so the species Spegazzini described was reclassified as Lepiota spegazzinii in 1912.[8]
Leucocoprinus bulbipes is a small dapperling mushroom.
Cap: 3–4 cm wide starting campanulate before spreading out to convex. The surface is pale with a black or blackish-brown centre disc and striations running from the edges of the cap. It is fibrous and noted as being 'somewhat fleshier' than other Leucocoprinus species. Gills: Pale, free and close sometimes with denticulate edges. Stem: 7–8 cm long and almost cylindrical but with a bulbous base. The surface is whitish and powdery and the ring is persistent but slender. Spores: Oval with a somewhat thick wall and indistinct germ pore. 10.2-12.6 x 7–8.4μm.[6]
In Montagne's description of the species he notes grey radial striations and a reddish brown (rufescente) centre.[3]
The specimens studied by Montagne were found growing on the ground amongst rotting leaves in the humid forests of Goiás, Brazil during November.[3]
The specimens studied by Raithelhuber were found growing in forests in Brazil.[6]
Raithelhuber notes that Lepiota brebissonii (now Leucocoprinus brebissonii) is similar but has narrower spores and a different cap shape. The spore size is also very similar to that of Leucocoprinus inflatus
which Raithelhuber notes may just be a variety of L. bulbipes.[6]
Leucocoprinus bulbipes is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Agaricaceae.
