Cinnamon Webcap (Dermocybe cinnamomea)
Cinnamon Earthcap
Dermocybe cinnamomea
Visual Identification
What is Cinnamon Earthcap? A Complete Overview
Appearance and Identification
Dermocybe cinnamomea, commonly known as the Cinnamon Earthcap, stands out due to its rich, warm, cinnamon-red to orange-brown coloration across its entire fruit body. This vibrant hue is characteristic of the Dermocybe group and inspired its specific epithet "cinnamomea." The cap is small to medium-sized, often measuring between 2–6 cm in diameter. Initially convex, it later flattens with maturity and may display a slightly depressed center. The cap surface is typically dry and may appear finely fibrillose or scaly depending on environmental conditions.
The gills of this mushroom are adnate to slightly decurrent, spaced moderately, and share the cap's rich coloring—sometimes displaying deeper rust or reddish tones. As the mushroom ages or dries, the gills may darken, indicating spore development. The stem (stipe) is slender and cylindrical, usually matching or slightly paler than the cap. A key identifying trait is the presence of a cortina— a cobweb-like veil common in members of the Cortinariaceae family—which may leave a rust-colored zone on the upper stem from spore deposition.
Size and Physical Characteristics
Typically, the stipe is 3–9 cm long and 0.3–0.8 cm wide. The flesh is thin and colored orange-rust in both cap and stem. Spores are rusty-brown and elliptical when observed under a microscope. While Dermocybe cinnamomea may appear modest in size, its distinctive coloring makes it relatively easy to spot in contrast with darker undergrowth or forest floor detritus.
Taxonomic Classification
Historical and Cultural Significance of Cinnamon Earthcap
Ethnomycological Insights
Unlike some mushrooms honored in mythology or medicinal folklore, Dermocybe cinnamomea does not appear heavily in indigenous or historical texts. This may be due to both its remote distribution and lack of known edibility or psychoactive effects. However, this doesn't necessarily mean it held no cultural presence—it may simply reflect a lack of documentation, especially in oral traditions.
Modern Aesthetic Appeal
One of the most noted modern cultural impacts of this mushroom is its visual appeal for nature photographers, amateur mycologists, and forest educators. In online forums and nature study groups, D. cinnamomea is often highlighted for its stunning coloration and serves as a teaching species for mushroom taxonomy and field identification.
Artistic and Dye Use
Some Dermocybe species have historically been explored as natural dyes, thanks to their colorful pigments. Though not well recorded for D. cinnamomea specifically, its intense coloration has drawn interest from natural dye practitioners. That said, this use remains niche and experimental due to the uncertainty around its chemical safety.
Where Does Cinnamon Earthcap Typically Grow?
Geographic Distribution
Dermocybe cinnamomea is primarily found in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. This mushroom tends to favor cooler, moist climates and is typically associated with native forest ecosystems where mycorrhizal relationships are prominent. In Australia, it's commonly found in temperate rainforests and eucalypt woodlands, especially during the wetter months of the year. It is also fairly abundant in parts of Tasmania due to the island state's mossy and temperate ecosystems.
Substrate Preferences and Symbiosis
This species is mycorrhizal, meaning it forms a symbiotic relationship with specific tree species, particularly Eucalyptus and Nothofagus. It grows from the soil rather than wood, often in humus-rich, loamy, or well-drained mineral soils in shaded areas with good leaf litter coverage. It often appears singly or in small groups rather than dense clusters. Areas of minor soil disturbance, such as trails or the bases of decaying tree stumps, are also common micro-habitats.
Seasonal Habitat Behavior
During wet seasons like autumn, particularly April through June in the Southern Hemisphere, conditions are optimal for Dermocybe cinnamomea. Moisture is crucial for fruiting, and specimens often emerge directly following consecutive days of rainfall. Absence of sufficient rainfall may result in a limited fruiting presence or variations in color intensity due to desiccation.
When is Cinnamon Earthcap in Season?
Late Summer – Autumn (March to June in Southern Hemisphere)
Is Cinnamon Earthcap Edible or Toxic?
Safety Information:
Potential Toxicity and Risk
Dermocybe cinnamomea, while not explicitly categorized as poisonous, sits within a genus and family that contains several dangerous mushrooms—including ones known for nephrotoxic and possibly fatal effects. Therefore, even in the absence of direct toxicological studies on D. cinnamomea, its categorization as 'unknown edibility' effectively means that toxicity cannot be ruled out. Caution is paramount.
Risk of Misidentification
One of the critical toxicity-related issues with this species is misidentification with genuinely toxic relatives within Cortinarius. Several species of Cortinarius contain orellanine, a toxin responsible for kidney failure in humans. Even visual similarities in gill or spore print color are not sufficient grounds to confirm safety.
Symptoms of Related Toxic Species
If misidentified and consumed as a toxic Cortinarius, symptoms may not appear immediately—some compounds such as orellanine have delayed renal toxicity, with symptoms appearing days after ingestion. These symptoms include gastrointestinal distress (vomiting and diarrhea), followed by burning thirst, reduced urination, and kidney shutdown in worst-case scenarios. Hospitalization and dialysis may be required in severe poisonings, with the potential for long-term organ damage.
Precautions and Interactions
Lack of Clinical Data
As D. cinnamomea is considered inedible and potentially toxic, no pharmaceutical studies currently explore interactions with prescription medications. Its absence from culinary and pharmacological use implies minimal medical overlap.
General Cortinariaceae Warnings
Mushrooms in the Cortinariaceae family have shown nephrotoxic properties in some species—most notably via the compound orellanine. This compound interacts significantly with the renal system and may affect electrolyte processing, hydration, and kidney function. If mistakenly ingested, this could severely complicate ongoing medications, particularly:
- Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide): Increased risk of dehydration and kidney failure.
- ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril): Exacerbated kidney stress.
- NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen): Compounded nephrotoxicity.
Caution for Herbalists
Mushroom foragers using herbal remedies should also avoid combining unknown fungi like Dermocybe cinnamomea with other kidney or liver metabolized supplements, such as comfrey, kava, or valerian. The undocumented chemical pathways raise serious caution flags for synergistic toxicity.
What Mushrooms Look Like Cinnamon Earthcap?
Common Confused Species
- Cortinarius cinnamomeus: Very similar in appearance due to cinnamon coloring and gill attachment. Differentiation relies on microscopic spore inspection and habitat data. C. cinnamomeus is part of the Cortinarius genus, also marked for potential toxicity.
- Dermocybe semi-sanguinea: Another member of the Dermocybe group, it resembles D. cinnamomea in shade and form, but has more vivid red tones upon gill inspection. The two can sometimes grow in overlapping habitats.
- Galerina marginata: Although generally smaller and browner than D. cinnamomea, inexperienced foragers may confuse both species due to their size and shaded undergrowth habitat. G. marginata is deadly and contains alpha-amanitin.
Key Distinguishing Features
- Spore prints: D. cinnamomea has a rusty-brown spore print, while Galerina displays a more cinnamon-to-orangey print.
- Cap Texture: Unlike the slimy caps Galerinas may present, D. cinnamomea features a dry to matte surface under most environmental conditions.
- Location and Symbiosis: D. cinnamomea is more often associated with Australian eucalypt forests, whereas Galerina and Cortinarius species can have a broader (including Northern Hemisphere) range.
Safety Note: Always use proper identification methods and consult expert mycologists when foraging. Misidentification can have serious health consequences.
Where to Buy Cinnamon Earthcap Products
No commercial products available for this species due to its unknown edibility status and cultivation difficulties.
Community Discussions About Cinnamon Earthcap
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and identification purposes only. Never consume wild mushrooms without expert identification. Always consult with qualified mycologists and healthcare professionals. Foraging and consumption of wild mushrooms carries inherent risks. Dermocybe cinnamomea is of unknown edibility and should not be consumed.