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Macrocybe titans: The Mushroom Giant of the Western Hemisphere

andMatthew Smith


Release Date: 3/1/2020

Reviewed At: 3/31/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-pp356-2020

Natural Resources

Abstract

This document is about Macrocybe titans, the largest known gilled mushroom in the Western Hemisphere. It explores the species’ taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and geographic distribution, highlighting its presence in tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas. The mushroom is notable for its massive size, saprobic lifestyle, and adaptability to disturbed habitats. The document also discusses its identification methods, potential edibility, and hypotheses regarding its spread and ecological role. Original publication date February 2020.

About this Publication

This document is PP356, one of a series of the UF/IFAS Department of Plant Pathology. Original publication date February 2020. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Karlsen-Ayala, E., & Smith, M. E. (2020). Macrocybe titans: The Mushroom Giant of the Western Hemisphere. EDIS, 2020(2). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-pp356-2020

Authors

Elena Karlsen-Ayala
Elena Karlsen-Ayala

research plant pathologist, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, and former Ph.D. student, UF/IFAS Department of Plant Pathology

Matthew Smith
Matthew Smith
Specialist
University of Florida

professor, UF/IFAS Department of Plant Pathology, and curator, UF Fungal Herbarium (FLAS), Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, FL

Publication #PP356