Tuesday 18 June
Bloxam's entoloma (Entoloma bloxamii)
Bloxam's entoloma fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Bloxam's entoloma description
| Kingdom | Fungi |
| Phylum | Basidiomycota |
| Class | Basidiomycetes |
| Order | Agaricales |
| Family | Entolomataceae |
| Genus | Entoloma (1) |
Bloxam's entoloma produces a striking, blue, mushroom-shaped fruiting body (2). The smooth cap has a broad swelling in the centre (known as an ‘umbo’), which has a more violet tinge (3). The tightly packed, white gills on the underside of the cap contrast well with the blue colour of the fungus; they develop a more salmon-pink colour as they age (2). The solid stem (or ‘stipe’) of the mushroom is also blue in colour with a whitish base (2).
WARNING: many species of fungus are poisonous or contain chemicals that can cause sickness. Never pick and eat any species of fungus that you cannot positively recognise or are unsure about. Some species are deadly poisonous and can cause death within a few hours if swallowed.
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Related species
Bloxam's entoloma biology
Fungi are an enormous group of organisms that are so distinctive from both plants and animals that they are placed in their own kingdom. The main body of the fungus is composed of a multitude of microscopic threads (known as ‘hyphae’) which are located within the substrate (5). The fruiting body (such as the more familiar mushroom or toadstool) is produced to release spores and thus allows reproduction to occur. Fungi feed by absorbing nutrients from their surroundings.
The blue, mushroom-like fruiting bodies of Bloxam’s entoloma are produced between August and November (2).
TopBloxam's entoloma range
This fungus is widely distributed in Europe, although it is rare throughout its range, which also extends into Asia and North America (2).
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Species with a similar range
Bloxam's entoloma habitat
Bloxam’s entoloma inhabits unimproved grasslands such as old meadows and hayfields (2). It is usually associated with calcareous soils although it may also be found in more acidic areas (3).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Bloxam's entoloma status
Short-listed for inclusion in the Bern Convention by the European Council for Conservation of Fungi (ECCF), and included on the Red Lists of 15 European countries (4).
TopBloxam's entoloma threats
Bloxam’s entoloma is threatened by the disturbance of its habitat caused by agricultural improvement (2).
TopBloxam's entoloma conservation
It is recommended that the continuation of traditional grassland management, without the use of fertilisers or the disturbance of soil, will help to secure the future of this rare fungus (2). In addition, Bloxam’s entoloma is a candidate species for listing in Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, otherwise known as the Bern Convention (4) (6).
TopAuthentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.ukTopGlossary
- Calcareous
- Containing free calcium carbonate, chalky.
- Spores
- Microscopic particles involved in both dispersal and reproduction. They comprise a single or group of unspecialised cells and do not contain an embryo, as do seeds.
References
- National Biodiversity Network, Species Dictionary (July, 2003) http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
- European Council for Conservation of Fungi (ECCF) (2001) Datasheets of threatened mushrooms of Europe, candidates for listing in Appendix I of the Convention. Bern Convention Standing Committee. http://www.nature.coe.int/CP21/tpvs34e.htm
- Courtecuisse, R. & Duhem, B. (1995) Mushrooms and toadstools of Britain and Europe. Harper Collins, London.
- The distribution, status and habitat requirement of the 33 fungal candidates for listing in Appendix I of the Bern Convention. (June 2003) http://www.artdata.slu.se/Bern_Fungi/Bern_Fungi.htm
- Pegler, D. & Spooner, B. (1992) The Mushroom Identifier. Apple Press, London
- Bern Convention (June, 2003) http://www.nature.coe.int/english/cadres/bern.htm
More »Related species
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Bloxam's entoloma
© Taylor F. Lockwood / www.fungiphoto.com
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Tel: +1 707 937 2004
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