The name "Pholiota Squarrosoides" is derived from Latin and Greek roots. The word "Pholiota" is pronounced as /fəˈlaɪ.ɵtə/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "s" in "sQuarrosoides" is silent, making it sound like /kwəˌroʊsɔɪˈdiz/. This mushroom species is typically found growing on dead and decaying trees, and is known for its distinctive cap shape and yellowish-brown color. While the spelling of its name may be difficult to remember, its unique features make it easy to identify in the wild.
Pholiota squarrosoides is a species of mushroom that belongs to the family Strophariaceae. Commonly known as the shaggy scalycap, it is a small to medium-sized fungus characterized by its distinct physical features and habitats. This mushroom typically has a convex to bell-shaped cap that ranges in color from yellowish-brown to orange-brown, often exhibiting deep scales and becoming more bald with age. The cap measures around 3 to 10 centimeters in diameter and carries a moist or sticky surface.
The gills of Pholiota squarrosoides are initially yellow and later become brown with spores. These close and crowded gills are adnate to slightly decurrent. The stalk, which emerges from the center of the cap, varies in length between 3 and 8 centimeters and often bears a ring at its upper portion. This ring, referred to as an annulus, is movable and typically collapses with age.
This mushroom species is commonly found in eastern North America, where it grows on decaying coniferous wood, such as logs or stumps. It prefers damp environments like forests, woodlands, or areas with a high moisture content. The shaggy scalycap is considered non-edible and not recommended for consumption due to its bitter taste and potential toxicity.
Pholiota squarrosoides also plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as a decomposer, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the environment.
The word "Pholiota" is derived from the Greek word "pholis", which means a scale or a flake. This refers to the scale-like appearance of the cap of mushrooms in the genus Pholiota.
"Squarrosoides" is a specific epithet and indicates that the mushroom has characters or resemblance similar to that of species in the genus Squarrosa. The term "squa-rr-ose" in Latin means rough or scaly, alluding to the scaly appearance of the cap surface.
So, the word "Pholiota squarrosoides" essentially means a mushroom of the genus Pholiota that has characteristics resembling or similar to those found in the genus Squarrosa, specifically referring to the scaly appearance of the cap.