About this fungus
Twig Parachute is a fungus in the Omphalotaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
Minute whitish mushrooms scattered along dead twigs and bramble stems, with thin caps held on short pale stems.
What to check
Combine the very small size with direct growth from thin dead twigs. Check a whitish to pale pink cap, sparse pinkish-white gills attached directly to the stem, a white spore print and no ring or volva.
Variation
Caps begin convex and may flatten or become shallowly depressed. The centre can remain warmer pink-buff while the margin stays pale, and old gills become cream to pale brown.
Lookalikes
Marasmius rotula has gills joined to a collar that is free from the stem. Gymnopus androsaceus has a dark hair-like stem, while Marasmius setosus is even smaller and has a very fine dark stem. Microscopy may be needed for atypical collections.
Habitat and range
Saprotrophic on fallen broadleaf and conifer twigs, small branches and dead bramble stems. The name Collybiopsis ramealis is accepted in some modern taxonomies.
Food safety
Inedible.
Photographs
Thomas Pruß / CC BY-SA 3.0Species to compare
Similar mushrooms to compare against: