Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilus junonius is a species of mushroom in the family Cortinariaceae. Commonly known as the Spectacular Rustgill, this large orange mushroom is typically found growing on tree stumps, logs, or tree bases. Some subspecies of this mushroom contain the neurotoxic oligoisoprenoid gymnopilin.

Taxonomy

This species was formerly known as Gymnopilus spectabilis, or Pholiota spectabilis v. junonia (Fr.) J.E Lange. The 'Gymn' in the present nomen means 'naked', and 'Juno' was the wife of Jupiter. In Korea, this mushroom is called Hwanggalsaek Michigwang-i Beoseot, which translates to "bronze clown mushroom".

Distribution and habitat

Gymnopilus junonius is a very widely distributed mushroom which grows in dense clusters on stumps and logs of hardwoods and conifers. This mushroom grows just about everywhere that decaying wood can be found, but is most common in moist, lowland wooded areas near rivers.

Biochemistry

This mushroom has subspecies which contain the hallucinogen psilocybin. Specimens found in Korea or the eastern part of US are more likely to contain psilocybin than similar mushrooms found in the western part of the US or Europe. This mushroom contains bis-noryangonin and hispidin, which are structurally related to alpha-pyrones found in kava. Japanese researchers have found oligoisoprenoids, or neurotoxins in this mushroom. They are also found in most states in Australia.

Reference: Wikipedia
Photo: Tony Wills, Graham Patterson