description Marasmius rotula Overview
Marasmius rotula, known as the collared parachute or pinwheel mushroom, is a small saprotrophic fungus that grows on dead twigs, leaf litter, and other plant debris in woodland. Its thin whitish cap has a pleated or furrowed margin, and its widely spaced gills attach to a narrow collar around the stem instead of attaching directly to the stem. A dark, wiry stem and the collar-like gill arrangement make it useful for field identification, but its small size means it is not regarded as an edible mushroom. [University of Virginia](https://mlbs.virginia.edu/organism/marasmius_rotula2)
help Marasmius rotula FAQ
Where does Marasmius rotula grow?
Marasmius rotula grows on dead twigs, leaf litter, and other plant debris in woodland. It is a small saprotroph that feeds on dead plant material rather than living trees.
Why is Marasmius rotula called the collared parachute mushroom?
Its thin whitish cap has a pleated margin, and its widely spaced gills attach around a collar near the stem. That unusual gill arrangement gives the mushroom its common name.
Are the gills of Marasmius rotula crowded?
No, the gills are widely spaced. They attach to a narrow collar around the stem instead of running directly into the stem in the usual way.
What does Marasmius rotula look like?
It has a small, thin, whitish cap with a furrowed or pleated margin. The stem is narrow, and the widely spaced gills create a distinctive pinwheel-like appearance.
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