HYPHOLOMA CAPNOIDES Meaning and
Definition
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Hypholoma capnoides is a species of mushroom belonging to the family Strophariaceae. Commonly known as the "blackening waxcap," it is a small to medium-sized fungus that typically fruits in dense groups or clusters on decaying organic matter such as logs, stumps, or forest litter. Its cap ranges from 2 to 7 centimeters in diameter, initially convex and then flattening with age, and is usually dark brown or reddish-brown in color.
The stipe, or stem, of Hypholoma capnoides is typically uniform in thickness and ranges from 4 to 10 centimeters long. It is cylindrical, smooth, and often features a pale yellow or whitish coloration towards the base. The gills are closely spaced, initially white or pale yellow and later turning to a pinkish-brown or dark brown. The spore print of this mushroom is brown.
Hypholoma capnoides is characterized by its ability to undergo a noticeable blackening reaction upon handling or bruising, particularly on the stem, hence the common name "blackening waxcap." The flesh of this mushroom is typically firm and has a mild odor and taste.
This species is widely distributed across Europe and North America and is commonly encountered in both deciduous and coniferous woodlands, especially during autumn. It plays a role in the decomposition of dead organic material, contributing to the nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems. While Hypholoma capnoides is non-poisonous, it is generally not considered as an edible mushroom due to its relatively small size and mild flavor.
Etymology of HYPHOLOMA CAPNOIDES
The term "hypholoma capnoides" is a scientific name given to a species of mushroom.
The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Hypholoma: The genus name "Hypholoma" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "hyphē" meaning "web" or "tissue" and "loma" meaning "fringe" or "hem". This refers to the characteristic appearance of the gill edges in many species of this genus.
2. Capnoides: The specific epithet "capnoides" is derived from the Greek word "kapnos" meaning "smoke" or "soot" and the suffix "-oides" meaning "resembling" or "like". This is a reference to the dark, sooty coloration often found on the caps or stems of mushrooms in this species.
