Oudemansiella mucida

Common name: Porcelain fungus

Family: Physalacriaceae

Description:

Cap: 2–8 cm in diameter, pure white, slimy or sticky (mucilaginous) surface, almost translucent, giving a porcelain-like shine.

Gills: White, crowded, attached to the stem.

Stem: Slender, white, often with a small ring; base covered in slime.

Spores: White spore print; ellipsoid spores.

Texture: Slimy when wet, smooth when dry.

Habitat:

Found mainly on dead or decaying beech trees (Fagus species).

Appears in late summer to autumn in temperate European forests.

Ecological role:

Saprotrophic — decomposes dead beech wood, helping nutrient cycling.

Special features:

Cap’s slimy coating helps prevent drying and protects against insect damage.

Not considered poisonous, but not commonly eaten because of the slime and small size.