Rhodocollybia maculata - Spotted Toughshank

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

The synonym Collybia maculata appears in many field guides, but this fairly common woodland mushroom is now formally listed in the genus Rhodocollybia.

Fruiting most often in small groups or clusters, this very attractive wood-rotting fungus is not a fussy feeder: it occurs under conifers (particularly under pines) and less often under deciduous hardwood trees; it is such a delight to come across a group in prime condition.

Identification Guide

Cap	5 to 12cm across; broadly convex, flattening with a wavy margin that often turns upwards to create an irregular saucer shape; creamy or pinkish white, developing tan spots or blotches.
Gills	Adnexed; crowded; white, developing rust-like reddish-brown spots with age.
Stem	5 to 10cm long and 0.8 to 1.2cm dia.; white, developing rust-like reddish-brown spots; no ring.
Spore print	Creamy white or pale pink.
Odour/taste	Odour n ot distinctive; taste bitter (and inedible).
Habitat	Mainly under conifers but occasionally also in deciduous woodland.
Season	June to November.
Occurrence	Common.
Similar species	Rhodocollybia distorta is a much less common species with a dry, red cap and a more swollen base below a twisted stem. Rhodocollybia butyracea is usually darker and has a very greasy cap.