Pluteus umbrosus - Velvet Shield

Pluteus umbrosus - Velvet Shield

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Family: Pluteaceae

Pluteus umbrosus is a fairly rare late summer and autumn fungus that grows on the rotting wood debris of deciduous trees. The radially wrinkled cap and pale pink gills are distinctive.

 

 

 

Identification Guide

Cap

4 to 9cm in diameter, the cap is sepia to dark brown, usually with slightly darker radial streaks. Convex at first and then flattened, it is smooth, with a wrinkled fibrous surface.

Beneath the cuticle, the cap flesh is white and firm.

Gills

White at first, becoming pale pink, the free gills are broad, crowded and free.

Spores

Pale pink.

Stem

The stem is 3 to 8cm long and 8 to 12mm in diameter. It is white or pale fawn and of even diameter or very slightly bulbous at the base. The stem flesh is white and firm, and it does not become hollow as it ages.

Odour/taste

Not distinctive.

Habitat

Solitary or in small groups on stumps, rotting fallen branches and other woody debris of broad-leaf trees; very occasionally on conifer stumps. This species also appears on sawdust heaps.

Season

Fruiting through most of the year, provided the weather is mild. Particularly prevalent during summer and autumn.

Occurrence

Widespread and very common.

Similar species

Pluteus cervinus does not have a wrinkled cap and is generally rather larger.