Bitterlicher Rasling
Lyophyllum amariusculum
Bitterlicher Rasling (Lyophyllum amariusculum) is a distinctive mushroom species characterized by its bitter taste and clustered growth habit, typically forming dense groups of grayish-brown caps with white to pale yellow stems. This saprophytic fungus plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) toniconca, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Lyophyllaceae
Genus
Lyophyllum
Bitterlicher Rasling belongs to the family Lyophyllaceae, order Agaricales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Bitterlicher Rasling (Lyophyllum amariusculum) is a distinctive mushroom species characterized by its bitter taste and clustered growth habit, typically forming dense groups of grayish-brown caps with white to pale yellow stems. This saprophytic fungus plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. The species is particularly notable for its preference for specific microhabitat conditions and its sensitivity to environmental changes.
Bitterlicher Rasling faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss of suitable forest ecosystems across its range. Climate change and altered precipitation patterns are affecting the delicate moisture conditions required for this fungal species to fruit and reproduce successfully. Additionally, pollution and changes in forest composition due to human activities are reducing the availability of appropriate host trees and soil conditions.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species occurs in temperate deciduous and mixed forests, particularly in areas with rich, well-drained soils and consistent moisture levels. It typically grows in association with broadleaf trees and requires specific soil chemistry and organic matter conditions for successful fruiting.
Threats
Climate change and altered moisture regimes
Habitat loss and forest degradation
Air and soil pollution
Changes in host tree availability
Forest management practices
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Bitterlicher Rasling (Lyophyllum amariusculum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bitterlicher-rasling