Clitocybe phyllophila - Frosty Funnel

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

An infrequent find in both coniferous and deciduous broadleaf woodland, these pretty funnels are translucent when viewed from beneath in sunlight. The frosted nature of the cap surface is best seen on young specimens during dry weather.

This very poisonous funnel contains the toxin muscarine, and great care is essential if gathering any whote-gilled mushrooms (for example Calocybe gambosa, St George's Mushroom) that are intended for consumption.

Identification Guide

	Cap 4 to 10cm across; convex, flattening with a wavy margin, usually developing a shallow central depression and retaining a small umbo; smooth and silky when dry; white with a fine bloom, developing buff or ochre spots mostly near the centre.
	Gills Decurrent; crowded; white, turning cream with age.
	Stem 4 to 8cm long and 0.7 to 1.5cm dia.; smooth; white; downy at base; no ring.
Spore print	Pale ochraceous clay.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	In broad-leaf and coniferous woodland and on grassy verges beneath hedgerows.
Season	July to early December.
Occurrence	Infrequent.
Similar species	Calocybe gambosa, St George's Mushroom, has thicker cap flesh and a mealy odour; it occurs in similar habitats but mainly between late April and early July.