vs

Clitocybe augeana compared with Clitocybe menthiodora

Taxonomic Classification

Rank
Kingdom same	Fungi (Fungi)	Fungi (Fungi)
Phylum same	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)
Class same	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)
Order same	Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)	Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)
Family same	Tricholomataceae	Tricholomataceae
Genus same	Clitocybe	Clitocybe
Species	Clitocybe augeana	Clitocybe menthiodora

Evolutionary Relationship

and share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Clitocybe.

Conservation Status

NE — Not Evaluated

NE — Not Evaluated

Physical Characteristics

Attribute
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Norway, and Sweden.

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Norway and Sweden.

Clitocybe augeana is a saprotrophic agaric fungus in the family Tricholomataceae native to Northern European forests and grasslands, with principal records from Scandinavia. It produces modest fruiting bodies with the genus-typical depressed to funnel-shaped cap, whitish to pale greyish coloration, and decurrent gills running down the stipe. Like many Clitocybe species, it emerges during autumn in habitats ranging from deciduous and mixed woodland floors to grassy clearings and forest margins, where it decomposes accumulated leaf litter and organic matter. The taxonomy of smaller, pale Clitocybe species has undergone considerable revision through molecular phylogenetic studies, with several species previously grouped together now recognized as distinct entities based on spore morphology, habitat preferences, and DNA sequence data. C. augeana contributes to the rich diversity of macrofungi documented in Scandinavian boreal and nemoral forests, ecosystems recognized for their exceptional fungal species richness and ecological importance in nutrient cycling processes.

Clitocybe menthiodora is a distinctive agaric fungus in the family Tricholomataceae, named for its notable minty or anise-like odor — the species epithet combining 'mentha' (mint) and 'odora' (fragrant) — which serves as a useful field identification character. It inhabits temperate European woodlands and forest margins, fruiting among leaf litter and soil organic matter in autumn. The cap is typically depressed to broadly funnel-shaped, pale greyish or whitish, with crowded, decurrent gills characteristic of the Clitocybe genus. The pleasant aromatic scent distinguishes it from the similarly structured but odorless or fetid species in the genus. Several Clitocybe species are known for distinctive odors, including anise, honey, and meal-like scents, which are attributed to volatile aromatic compounds produced during fruiting. While some fragrant Clitocybe species are edible, others contain muscarine or other toxins, and identification must be thorough. C. menthiodora is a saprotrophic decomposer playing a role in nutrient cycling in European temperate forest ecosystems.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 2 countries:

🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden