Scaly Rust Gill (Gymnopilus sp.)

Scientific name: Gymnopilus sp.

Common name: Scaly rust gill

Uncommonly seen in Singapore, the Scaly rust gill can be seen growing on wood. It may even appear to grow from the ground if the wood is buried. The common name comes from the scales on the top of the cap and the rust coloured spores that cover the gills. 

Gymnopilus can be spotted by their unique orange-rust coloured spores, that seem to easily cover surfaces around them. There are approximately 200 species of Gymnopilus in the world, making it difficult to identify down to species level.

Many species of Gymnopilus contain hallucinogens, which can cause a sensation of high and induce hallucinations, and can be considered a magic mushroom.

The scaly rust gill looks similar to Pholiota sp. and Galerina marginata, which are both poisonous.