Cantharellus enelensis

Cantharellus enelensis is one of several species of chanterelle native to North America, discovered in 2017 as a new member of the C. cibarius complex. It forms mycorrhizal relationships and is an edible mushroom.

Taxonomy
Cantharellus enelensis was discovered in 2017 as a new member of the C. cibarius complex. It was temporarily categorized as having a conservation status of 'least concern'.

Etymology
The name enelensis is in honour of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador where the mushroom was first discovered.

Description
Cantharellus enelensis has decurrent ridges that are forked, a cap that is from 2.5-11 cm in diameter and can be infundibuliform in older specimens. The flesh is firm and white to pale yellow on the inside and can smell fruity, often described as apricot smelling. The foot of the mushroom gets wider closer to the cap.

Similar species
Members of the C. cibarius complex in eastern North America are difficult to distinguish from one another without special techniques such as DNA sequencing and microscopic examinations.

''Cantharellus. enelensis can be distinguished from C. cibarius by its hymenophore, which is more orange in C. enelensis''.

Distribution and habitat
C. enelensis is one of 40 varieties of Cantharellus that grows in North America, which it is native to.

Chanterelles identified with DNA sequencing as C. enelensis have been found in Newfoundland, Quebec, Michigan and Illinois but there is evidence to suggest it is widespread in North American conifer forests. It is the most commonly found chanterelle in Newfoundland.

Ecology
Cantharellus enelensis forms mycorrhizal relationships and grows in conifer forests with well drained, moist, sandy soil.

The mushrooms beat fruiting bodies between July and September with the peak in August.

Uses
Cantharellus enelensis is an edible mushroom.