Entoloma porphyrophaeum - Lilac Pinkgill

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

This tall entoloma is a rather uncommon grassland species andquite variable in colouring; however, the purplish hue is usually evident against a background that ranges from buff through variuos shades of brown.

One of the endearing traits of the largish grassland pinkgill is the longevity of its fruitbodies; these mushrooms can remain standing for several weeks if not eaten by slugs or knocked over by clumsy feet.

Identification guide

Cap	With a distinct umbo, the cap is purplish and typically 5 to 8cm in diameter.
Gills	White at first, becoming pink at maturity.
Spores	Pale pink.
Stem	Concolorous with cap or slightly paler, fibrous.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	Singly or in small groups or in moist grassland areas.
Season	Summer and autumn.
Occurrence	Uncommon.
Similar species	There are several entolomas of similar size and colour; the fibrous cap helps to distinguish Entoloma porphyrophaeum.