About Macrocystidia cucumis (Pers.) Joss.
The cap of Macrocystidia cucumis ranges from convex to flat in shape, and is colored dark red to blackish brown with a yellowish edge. It becomes much paler when dry, and can grow up to 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter. The gills are white when young, turn reddish as the mushroom matures, and are quite densely packed. Spores of this species have been observed in a range of colors: white, pink, and brown. The stipe shares a similar color with the cap, it is thin, and has a velvety texture at its base. The flesh is white, and carries an odor similar to that of freshly cut cucumbers. This mushroom also produces large cystidia on its gills, cap, and stipe. Macrocystidia cucumis was first described from Europe, where it is most common. It is also documented to occur in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It grows in forests, disturbed ground, and gardens, and prefers to grow on wood debris as a substrate.
