Rickenella swartzii is a small, rare fungus that grows on mosses and other non-vascular plants. In St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast, it has been found in forests, bogs, and grasslands, typically on acidic soils. Records from north-western Russia indicate the species' preference for shaded, humid areas with abundant moss cover. Fruit bodies are tiny, measuring up to 1 cm in diameter, with a bell-shaped cap and slender stem, often colored yellow-brown to reddish-brown. The fungus is considered a rare find in the region due to its specific habitat requirements and limited distribution.
Small omphaloid mushroom Rickenella swartzii in roadside moss near Toksovo, north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 16, 2017 Unnamed Road, Leningradskaya oblast', Russia, 188664
Small omphaloid mushrooms Rickenella swartzii and R. fibula (smaller one) collected near Toksovo, north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 16, 2017
Collared mosscap mushrooms (Rickenella swartzii) near Beloe Lake near Lembolovo, 40 miles north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 27, 2017 Unnamed Road, Leningradskaya oblast', Russia, 188695
Close up of collared mosscap mushrooms (Rickenella swartzii) near Lembolovo, 40 miles north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 27, 2017 Unnamed Road, Leningradskaya oblast', Russia, 188695
Collared mosscap mushrooms (Rickenella swartzii) in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 27, 2018 Fedotovskaya Dorozhka, 28, Tarkhovka, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197701
Collared mosscap mushrooms (Rickenella swartzii) on white background in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 27, 2018 Fedotovskaya Dorozhka, 28, Tarkhovka, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197701
Mosscap mushrooms Rickenella swartzii and Rickenella fibula in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 27, 2018 Fedotovskaya Dorozhka, 27, Tarkhovka, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197701
AI-generated summary of observations
Rickenella swartzii was observed in various locations in Leningrad Oblast and north-western Russia. The fungus was found growing in roadside moss near Toksovo, as well as near Beloe Lake and Lembolovo, approximately 40 miles north of Saint Petersburg. It was also spotted in Tarkhovka, near Sestroretsk, west of Saint Petersburg. The observations took place over two years, from August 2017 to August 2018. In some cases, Rickenella swartzii was found growing alongside Rickenella fibula, a smaller species. The mushrooms were typically small and omphaloid, with a collared appearance, earning them the common name "collared mosscap". They were often found in mossy areas, suggesting a preference for humid environments. Overall, the observations suggest that Rickenella swartzii is relatively common in the region, particularly in areas with abundant moss growth.
Comments
Search of mushroom species for given keywords "Rickenella swartzii" was done through
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Selection of a particular species from the list of 3 species was performed automatically.