Common bonnet

Mycena galericulata

Mycena galericulata is a saprotrophic wood-decay species that can be found growing in clusters on stumps of well-rotted hardwood or fallen logs and branches of hardwood in the shaded forest understory. Here it creates a "mat" of hyphae interwoven into the decomposing wood, furthering the forest's final arboreal decay [1]. The cap of M. galericulata is bell-shaped and striated with a pale gray to soft brown color. The gills are spaced far apart and run down a very thin, flexible stipe with a cartilaginous texture, and a pale gray to pink hue. Delicate in form, but precise in ecological function [2].

Ecologically, M. galericulata, as a saprotroph, is one of many wood-decay fungi that functions as an agent of wood-decay succession. By decomposing the lignocellulose of wood, it unlocks embedded nutrients and recycles them to the forest floor. In doing this, M. galericulata sustains microbial diversity, furthering later stage decomposition and facilitating the dead wood's transformation into soil [2][3].

This mushroom thrives in consistently damp and undisturbed habitats and may be used as a sign of a later stage of decomposition [4]. This species' function in the forest serves as one of many examples of even the most diminutive and seemingly unassuming fungi, which are critical in supporting the subtle continuity of woodland ecosystems [5].

[1] MykoWeb. “Mycena galericulata.” California Fungi – MykoWeb. https://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Mycena_galericulata.html

[2] First Nature. “Mycena galericulata (Scop.) Gray – Common Bonnet.” First Nature – Fungi of Northern Europe and North America. https://first-nature.com/fungi/mycena-galericulata.php

[3] UK Fungus Day – British Mycological Society. “9 – Common Bonnet | UK Fungus Day.” https://www.ukfungusday.co.uk/9commonbonnet

[4] West Michigan Flora & Fauna. “Common Bonnet (Mycena galericulata).” https://www.westmichiganflorafauna.org/index.php/9-uncategorised/1553-common-bonnet-mycena-galericulata

[5] Wikipedia contributors. “Mycena galericulata.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Last modified April 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycena_galericulata