FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Oudemansiella canarii
Soft Wood Mushroom
(Jungh.) Höhn., 1909
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Oudemansiella canarii is a basidiomycete fungus striking for its pure white color and extremely slimy or glutinous cap. The cap (pileus) is initially convex and later flattens, reaching 3 to 10 cm in diameter; its surface is smooth, white, and covered by a thick layer of transparent mucus that gives it a shiny, wet appearance. The gills (lamellae) are white, widely spaced, and adnate. The stalk (stipe) is central, cylindrical, firm, and the same color as the cap, often with a slightly enlarged base. It is a saprophytic fungus that grows on logs and fallen branches of soft-wood trees. Its delicate, porcelain-like appearance makes it one of the most aesthetic fungi in American tropical rainforests.
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TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Agaricales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Physalacriaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Oudemansiella
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Jungh.) Höhn., 1909
Record Completeness
84%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It inhabits wet and very wet tropical rainforests, from sea level to middle elevations. It is found exclusively growing on dead wood (logs, branches, and stumps) of soft-wood trees in the process of decomposition. It prefers shaded microclimates with very high ambient humidity. In Costa Rica, it is a common fungus on both slopes during the rainy season, especially in well-conserved primary and secondary forest areas.SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a fundamental primary decomposer in the forest's carbon cycle. By breaking down the hard wood of fallen logs, it releases nutrients that are absorbed by the soil and other plants. Although it does not attract insects by smell like stinkhorns, its viscous structure interacts uniquely with understory fauna, providing a humid microhabitat on the wood.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 12.0 cm
Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Protective Glutinous Layer: The thick mucus covering the cap acts as a barrier against desiccation during periods of low humidity and also as a defense against small herbivorous insects and parasitic fungal spores, keeping the gill surface clean for spore release.
Ligninolytic Capacity: It possesses potent enzymes that allow it to break down lignin and cellulose from soft woods, giving it a competitive advantage to colonize woody substrates that other fungi cannot process quickly.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation and dead wood removal: Excessive forest clearing and the removal of fallen logs drastically reduce its food substrate and reproduction chances.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Porcelain Mushroom: Due to its whiteness and viscous shine, it is often compared to fine porcelain pieces scattered across the jungle. It is a recurring subject in Neotropical nature photography for its visual contrast.