Saffrondrop Bonnet

Saffrondrop Bonnet Mycena crocata (Schrad.) P. Kumm. (illustrated 50% life size) Cap 1–3cm across, conical, expanding to bell-shaped with umbo; brownish-grey, sometimes with olivaceous flush, becoming stained orange-red by latex. Stem 40–80×2–3mm; lemon-white at apex, saffron below, exuding an orange latex when broken, which gradually stains the stem; white woolliness at base. Flesh saffron; thin; taste mild, smell none. Gills adnate; white, staining orange-red. Spores 8–10×5–6¼, ellipsoid; amyloid. Spore print white to pale buff. Cheilocystidia pyriform, covered with scattered, irregular, short processes. Habitat amongst leaf litter in deciduous woods, especially beech; autumn. Occasional. Edible but not worthwhile.