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Photo By Dave W (Dave W)

Laughing gym

Gymnopilus validipes

A species of Rustgills

Laughing gym can be seen growing on dead wood such as logs and stumps, often forming dense clusters. It can be found during summer until the late fall. When bruised at the base of the stem, it tends to stain slightly bluish. The scent of this mushroom is often described as pleasant.

Odor:

Pleasantly mild, slightly mushroomy.

General Info About Laughing gym

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Attributes of Laughing gym

Cap

7.5-15 cm, Convex to broadly convex, margin deeply incurved at first, becoming revolute with age, dry, fibrillose or with small ochraceous brown scales, pale-yellow or ochraceous buff, flesh soft, whitish, yellowish near the gills.

Gills

Adnate to uncinate, close, thin, yellowish white becoming cinnamon.

Stem

10-13 cm long, 2.5 - 5 cm thick, equal or swelling in the middle, fleshy-fibrous, solid, elastic, fibrillose, concolorous, white within, the cortina leaves only a faint ring on the robust stalk.

Flesh

Whitish to yellowish.

Spore Print Color

Orangish brown

Odor

Pleasantly mild, slightly mushroomy.

Body Color

Yellow

Growth Form

Gregarious

Species Status

Common

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Habitat of Laughing gym

Laughing gym thrives on decomposing wood in well-lit environments, particularly where broadleaf trees are abundant. Deciduous forests are common settings for this species.

Distribution Area of Laughing gym

North America and Europe.

Uses of Laughing gym

Laughing gym is recognized for its hallucinogenic properties due to psychoactive compounds it contains. Its use is often tied to traditional spiritual practices, but it's not commonly consumed due to legal restrictions and significant health risks. Those considering laughing gym should be aware of the potential for psychological effects and legal consequences. It's crucial to approach laughing gym with caution, prioritizing safety and adherence to local laws.

Scientific Classification of Laughing gym

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Hymenogastraceae

Genus

Rustgills

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Tips for Finding Laughing gym

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When is the Best Time to Find Laughing gym

Search for laughing gym in late summer to fall when daytime temperatures are mild to warm and the weather is damp after recent rains.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Laughing gym

Rich, moist soil without waterlogging.

What are Some Tips for Finding Laughing gym

Examine fallen logs or stumps in deciduous forests as potential sites for laughing gym.
Search for laughing gym in areas that receive ample sunlight, where they might be more abundant.
Look for groups of mushrooms, as laughing gym is prone to grow in clusters.
Focus on places with the correct soil conditions, avoiding areas with standing water.

How to Clean and Preserve Laughing gym

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How to Clean Laughing gym

To clean laughing gym, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush, taking care not to bruise. If necessary, lightly dampen a cloth and wipe the surface. Allow to air-dry before any further handling.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Laughing gym

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Cool, dark, low humidity environment with airtight containers provides optimal longevity.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient for low-moisture extraction, maintaining texture, within 6-10 hours.

Oven drying: Set at the lowest temperature with the door slightly open to allow moisture escape, around 2-4 hours.

Air drying: Suitable in dry, warm environments; prolonged method, may take several days.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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