The Jumbo Gym (Gymnopilus ventricosus) mushroom is a common west coast fungi found in many coastal forests and woodlands. Also known as the ‘big laughing mushroom’ it is commonly found growing, often in clusters, on decaying wood and dying tree stumps and when able to grow full size can have a cap that spans up to 38cm in diameter. They are inedible to humans with a strong bitter taste and can be toxic. Similar species found across North America include the Gymnopilus subspectabilis and Gymnopilus luteus variants found in central and eastern habitats.
