| The pale grey gills (never green) of Hypholoma
capnoides, the Conifer Tuft, help distinguish it from its poisonous
close relative the Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare).
Considered edible, this species is easily confused with other fungi
from the same genus that are inedible. Its small size and infrequent
occurrence make it not worth collecting to eat.
Cap
|
Pale veil remnants are visible at the edge of
the rounded caps, which are greasy with bright orange centres in wet
weather and dry to pale orange-brown.
3 to 7 cm in diameter, with pale yellow flesh. |
Gills
|
The grey adnate gills turn grey-brown as the
fruit body matures. |
Stipe |
5 to 10 mm in diameter and 5 to 8 cm tall; pale yellow at the top and rusty
brown towards the base. |
Spore print |
Dark wine-brown. |
Odour/taste |
No significant odour; the taste is mild. |
Habitat |
In small tufts or singly on conifer stumps and
on buried or exposed roots of dead conifers. |
Season |
August to October. |
Occurrence |
Infrequent. |
Similar species |
- Hypholoma sublaterium, commonly referred to as Brick Caps, is a
larger species with a brick-red central zone and paler margin; it has
creamy-yellow gills when young.
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