Tricholoma magnivelare

Until recently, the name Tricholoma magnivelare described all matsutake mushrooms found in North America. Since the early 2000s, molecular data has indicated the presence of separate species in the prior group, with only those found in the Eastern United States and Canada retaining the name T. magnivelare. ==Description==

The cap ranges from in width, and is white with reddish-yellow or brown spots. The stalk is tall and 2–6 cm wide. The spores are white. ==Chemical ecology==

This mushroom is noted for its distinctive odour/flavour. The major compound identified from fresh sporocarps is the fragrant compound, methyl cinnamate. Also, alpha-pinene and bornyl acetate are present in trace amounts in uncrushed samples. Tissue disruption of the sporocarp produces large amounts of 1-octen-3-ol, a compound found in many mushrooms that has a typical mushroom-like odour. Both methyl cinnamate and 1-octen-3-ol have been shown to be potent banana slug (Ariolimax columbianus) antifeedants. Cultures of the secondary mycelium of T. magnivelare did not have any of the compounds found in the sporocarp. The major volatile component of mycelial cultures is 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxybenzaldehyde. 3,5-Dichloro-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol and hexanal were identified as minor components from these cultures. These chlorinated compounds inhibit fungal metabolism: fungal cell wall growth by chitin synthase and melanin biosynthesis. These compounds may keep other fungi from taking over the tree roots that T. magnivelare colonizes. Similar species Similar species in the genus include Tricholoma apium, T. caligatum, T. focale, and T. vernaticum. Other similar species include Catathelasma imperiale, C. ventricosum, Russula brevipes, and the poisonous Amanita smithiana. ==Uses==

While tough, and is considered choice. In recent years, globalization and wider social acceptability of mushroom hunting has made collection of pine mushrooms widely popular in North America. However, serious poisonings have resulted from confusion of this mushroom with poisonous white Amanita species. ==See also==