The Deceiver

The Deceiver Laccaria laccata (Scop.) Cooke. (illustrated 30% life size) Cap 1.5–6cm across, convex then flattened, often becoming finely wavy at the margin and centrally depressed; tawny to brick-red, striate at the margin when moist, drying paler to ochre-yellow; surface often finely scurfy. Stem 50–100×6–10mm, often compressed or twisted; concolorous with cap; tough and fibrous. Flesh reddish-brown; thin; taste and smell not distinctive. Gills pinkish, dusted white with spores when mature. Spores 7–10¼ diameter, globose, spiny. Spore print white. Habitat in troops in woods or on heaths; summer to early winter. Very common, but very variable in appearance and therefore often difficult to recognize at first sight, hence the popular name Deceiver. Edible.