The typical species are saprophytic on decaying fungi. But one species, Nyctalis asterophora, reported in America. See Peck, 26th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.
MARAS´MIUS Fr.
Gr—to wither or shrivel.
Marasmius oreades.
About one-half natural size.
Pileus regular, thin, tough and pliant. Gills pliant, rather tough, somewhat distant, variously attached or free, with an acute entire edge. Stem cartilaginous or horny, continuous with the pileus but of different texture. Not putrescent but drying up with lack of moisture, reviving and assuming the original form with the advent of rain. This character distinguishes Marasmius from all other genera of Agaricaceæ.
Its nearer relations are Collybia and Mycena.
Fries says that all Agaricaceæ having the smell of garlic are found in this genus. On the ground, but generally on wood or leaves.
Professor Peck reports over forty species of this genus found in New York state. Several not found in New York are reported from other states. The writer has found a few such species in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Many untried species will probably prove to be edible; the majority are too small to be of food value. M. urens, reported poisonous, and M. peronatus, heretofore considered poisonous, have been found by the writer to be edible. Several species not described herein have been tested for edibility to a limited extent only.