Aniseed Cockleshell – Lentinellus Cochleatus

Fungi of the Week

28th February 2020 | Info

Common name: Aniseed Cockleshell 

Scientific name: Lentinellus cochleatus 

Introduction: Lentinellus cochleatus is a saprobic fungus that is native to the UK. It is known for giving off an aniseed scent which links to its common name, the Aniseed Cockleshell.  

Identification

Cap: The Cap of an Aniseed Cockleshell is shell-shaped or irregularly infundibuliform in shape and varies in colour. They can be anything from a creamy-yellow to a tan-brown.  

[The caps of an Aniseed Cockleshell fungus]

Gills: Their gills are very crowded and narrow with toothed edges. They are typically a pinky-white with brown interveins 

Stem: They have a very tough stem that is eccentric and typically begins the same colour as the cap. As the fungus then matures, it turns to an orangeybrown.  

Spores: Spores are broadly ellipsoidal and typically are smooth but can sometimes be covered in warts. The spores leave behind a white spore print.  

Flesh: Tough and pink in colour.

Habitat and Impact on Trees

The aniseed cockleshell is saprobic and grows on or besides rotting stumps of (typically) broadleaved trees in autumn. They are also often densely clustered and grow alongside woodland footpaths. 

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