About Aphroditeola olida (Quél.) Redhead & Manfr.Binder
Aphroditeola is a monotypic genus of agaric fungi. This genus produces pink, cantharelloid fruit bodies that grow on coniferous forest floors. Its fruit bodies have forked lamellae, and typically carry a fragrant odor described as candy-like, cinnamon-like, or pink bubble gum-like. The genus contains only one species: Aphroditeola olida, which is commonly called the pink bubblegum mushroom. During the last century, this species was classified within the genus Hygrophoropsis, which belongs to the order Boletales. However, Hygrophoropsis has dextrinoid basidiospores, while Aphroditeola does not. Based on phylogenetic analysis, Aphroditeola is now classified in the order Agaricales, positioned close to the family Hygrophoraceae. Little research has been done on its overall biology. We do know that the type species can be cultured from basidiospores, and that it produces mycelium that ranges in color from pinkish to reddish-orange. In other published literature and on many websites, the type species is referred to by the synonymous names Hygrophoropsis morganii or Hygrophoropsis olida, and is often incorrectly labelled as Hygrophoropsis rufescens, which is a misapplied name.
