Spotted Toughshank

Description:

Formerly known as Collybia maculata, this small to medium-sized mushroom is recognized by its whitish cap, which develops cinnamon spots and stains as it matures; its crowded, attached gills; its ecology (decomposing the wood or litter of conifers); its bitter taste; and microscopic features (see below). It has a pale pinkish spore print, but a very thick and very fresh print (as well as good lighting) is often required before the pinkish tinge is noticeable ( http://www.mushroomexpert.com/rhodocolly... )

Habitat:

location: North America, Europe edibility: Poisonous/Suspect fungus colour: White to cream normal size: 5-15cm cap type: Convex to shield shaped flesh: Flesh fibrous usually pliable (like grass) spore colour: White, cream or yellowish habitat: Grows in woods, Grows on the ground Spotted Collybia Gefleckter Rübling Collybie tachetée Spotted Toughshank Collybia maculata (A. & S. ex Fr.) Kummer syn. Rhodocollybia maculata (A. & S. ex Fr.) Singer Cap 4-10cm across, flattened-convex; white, soon becoming spotted with tan-brown to rust spots on aging or bruising, finally may become brown overall; smooth, dry. Gills attached to almost free, very crowded; white becoming spotted rust-brown. Stem 50-100 x 8-12mm, equal to slightly swollen at base, hollow; similarly colored to cap; often with rooting base. Flesh tough; white. Odor pleasant. Taste bitter. Spores globose, smooth, 4-6 x 3-5µ. Deposit cream to pale pink. Habitat often gregarious in mixed woodlands. Found from Quebec to North Carolina. Season July-November. Not edible due to toughness and rather unpleasant flavor. Comment Collybia maculata var. scorzonerea (Batsch: Fr.) Gillet differs in having distinctly yellow gills. Common. ( http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/gallery/D... )

Notes:

Rhodocollybia maculata, common name Spotted Toughshank, is a species of fungus in the Marasmiaceae family of mushrooms ( wikipedia ), ( http://www.mycobank.org/MycoTaxo.aspx?Li... )