Phaeocollybia benzokauffmanii Norvell
Can. J. Bot. 78(8): 1065. 2000.

Common Name: none

• Description

  For description see Norvell & Exeter & 'California Mushrooms'.

• Habitat

  Solitary to scattered in soil in coniferous forests; fruiting from fall through mid-winter in coastal forests from Mendocino County northward.

• Edibility

  Unknown.

• Comments

  Phaeocollybia benzokauffmanii can be recognized by a glutinous, pinkish brown to purplish brown cap, white to pale pink young gills, a large, deeply rooting stipe, and growth in coastal conifer forests. It was named for the color of its cap (“benzo brown”) and its overall similarity to Phaeocollybia kauffmanii, which differs only subtly in having a yellowish brown to orangish brown cap and incrusting pigments in cap tissues. Molecular data confirm them as distinct species.

• References

  Desjardin, D.E., Wood, M.G. & Stevens, F.A. (2015). California Mushrooms: The Comprehensive Identification Guide. Timber Press: Portland, OR. 560 p.
  Norvell, L.L. 2000. Phaeocollybia in Western North America 1: The Phaeocollybia kauffmanii complex. Canadian Journal of Botany. 78(8): 1055-1076. (PDF-Protologue)
  Norvell, L.L. & Exeter, R.L. (2007). Phaeocollybia in western North America 5: P. ochraceocana sp. nov. and the P. kauffmanii complex. Mycotaxon 102: 315-332.
  Norvell, L.L. & Exeter, R.L. (2009). Phaeocollybia of Pacific Northwest North America. US Department of Interior, BLM: Salem, OR. 229 p. (PDF)
  

• Other Descriptions and Photos
  Main Photo
  • Noah Siegel: Phaeocollybia benzokauffmanii (CP)
  • Ron Exeter: Phaeocollybia benzokauffmanii (CP)
  • Ron Exeter: Phaeocollybia benzokauffmanii (CP)
  • Mushroom Observer: Phaeocollybia benzokauffmanii (CP)
  • iNaturalist: Phaeocollybia benzokauffmanii (CP)
  
  

  (D=Description; I=Illustration; P=Photo; CP=Color Photo)