Rhodocybe gemina
Tan Pinkgill
Status:
Scarce, commoner in some years.
Meaning rose head.
Cap:
4-9cm
Stem:
3-6cm
Meaning twin or paired.
Description
Some authors use the name Clitopilus gemina. A species that is not well illustrated in the mainstream field guides. Once seen and identified it is quite easy to identify. When fresh it appears quite 'dry' but when wet it becomes quite dark and almost looks like a different species. It can grow in single fruitbodies but often they fuse together and look almost clumped.
Smell
Pleasant, slightly of fruit.
Season
Summer to Autumn.
Habitat & Distribution
In mixed woodlands, gardens and on woodchip. Rare across the UK but probably under recorded. In some years we encounter this species in many locations, then go years without seeing it.
Edibility
Some authors say edible, others say suspect, it is too rare to warrant picking for the pot anyway.
Confusion Species
Spores
4.5-7 x 3-4.5μm, seen here in Meltzer's Reagent, broadly ellipsoidal and angular, small irregular warts.
Spore Print Colour
Pale Pink.
Good specimens are quite distinctive. Some of the Entolomas (Pinkgills) may look similar.