Silky Rosegill
Volvariella bombycina
The Silky Rosegill is a striking agaric fungus that grows as a saprobe or weak parasite on trunk wounds or in cavities of deciduous trees. Its cap can reach significant sizes and is densely covered with silky, whitish to yellowish hairs. A characteristic feature is the large, membranous volva at the base of the stem, while it lacks a ring on the stalk.
Details
Identification
Silky-woolly cap (white to cream), free gills (white when young, later pink), large brownish volva at the stem base, no ring, pink spore print.
Diet
Lignicolous saprobe or weak parasite; feeds by decomposing lignin and cellulose (white rot agent).
Spawning substrate
Deadwood or living deciduous trees (maple, beech, elm, horse chestnut).
Overwintering
Overwintering as mycelium within the wood of the host tree.
Ecology
Ecological role
Primary wood decomposer; contributes significantly to the nutrient cycle in forest ecosystems and creates habitat for xylobiont insects.
Natural predators
Mycetophagous insects (fungal beetles, fly larvae), slugs.
Competitor species
Other wood-decaying fungi such as the oyster mushroom or Armillaria species.
Ecosystem service
Nutrient cycling (wood decomposition), provision of microhabitats in tree cavities.
Threats
Intensive forestry, removal of habitat trees and old park trees, loss of alluvial forests.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Large, white, woolly-fibrillose cap; free lamellae that turn pink as spores mature; large, membranous, often brownish volva at the stipe base; absence of a ring (annulus); grows almost exclusively on wood.
Habitat
Deciduous mixed forests, alluvial forests, parks, cemeteries, and avenues with old-growth trees and high amounts of deadwood.
Reproduction
Sexual reproduction via basidiospores (ellipsoid, smooth, approx. 8-10.5 x 5-6.5 µm) formed on four-spored basidia.
Protection & threats
Status not on standard scale
Main threats
Removal of old and dead wood for safety reasons; loss of alluvial forests; intensive forestry.
Conservation measures
Preservation of habitat trees; promotion of deadwood concepts in parks and forests; protection of old parklands.