Stipe base shape refers to the shape of the base of the stipe, irrespective of the overall shape of the stipe. Be careful to remove the whole stipe from the substrate when determining this feature.

Choose this state if: the base of the stipe tapers sharply, and at the very base is much less in diameter than the main part of the stipe. A tapered stipe base often occurs (although not always) when fruit-bodies are tightly clustered. Compare also Stipe base radicating (pseudorhiza), where there is a relatively long underground rooting section of the stipe.