Squamanita paradoxa - Powdercap Strangler

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

This strange fungus is a parasite, attacking another grassland mushroom the Earthy Powdercap. The Powdercap Strangler takes over its host so that a cap and upper stem of Squamanita paradoxa grow out of the lower stem of what would have been a Cystoderma amianthinum mushroom. In the picture, the texture and distinctive orange colouring of the lower stem of Earthy Powdercap is clearly visible, with a stocking-like ring above which the Powdercap Stranger appears.

These rare grassland mushrooms were photographed near Aviemore, in Scotland.

Identification Guide

	Cap 2 to 3cm across; initially convex, becoming broadly convex or flat; colour brownish-violet but paler towards the rim; covered in shaggy scales. Gills White at first, becoming cream. Stem 4 to 7cm long and 4 to 8mm dia. Lower part orange and coarsely scaly, topped by a collar-like persistent ring; upper part pale brownish-lilac and finely scaly.
Spore print	White.
Odour/taste	Not significant.
Habitat	Parasitic on Cystoderma amianthinum, the Earthy Powdercap .
Season	Summer and autumn.
Occurrence	Very rare.
Related species	See Cystoderma amianthinum, the Earthy Powdercap, which this fungus parasitises.