Fungus · GBIF taxon 2535532
Desert Shaggymane
Podaxis pistillarisDesert Shaggymane produces a tall, stalked structure whose closed cap dries and darkens as powdery spores mature. It appears from sandy or gravelly arid soil after moisture awakens the underlying decomposer.
Desert FungusStalked Spore CaseRain Responsive
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Decomposes buried organic matter and other dead material in arid soil
Predators
- Fungus-feeding insects
- Rodents
- Grazing invertebrates
ThreatsSoil compaction, habitat conversion, altered rainfall, and repeated disturbance
HabitatsDeserts, semi-deserts, dry grasslands, sandy washes, and disturbed arid ground
Life spanVisible structures persist for days to weeks, while the underlying mycelium may live much longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAgaricaceae
- SpeciesPodaxis pistillaris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild fungi have dangerous look-alikes; do not eat or ingest specimens based on app identification.
Responsible observation
- Shape: Look for a woody stalk beneath an elongated closed cap.
- Spores: Observe mature dark powder without squeezing or breaking the structure.
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