European Matsutake

European Matsutake Tricholoma caligatum (Viv.) Ricken syn. Armillaria caligata (Viv.) Gillet (illustrated 40% life size) Cap 5–12cm across, broadly convex, with the margin sometimes uplifted in age and hung with veil remnants; creamy flesh showing beneath cinnamon-brown patches or scales; dry. Stem 50–100×20–30mm; white above the ring, cinnamon-brown zones and patches of veil remnants below. Flesh white; taste mild or slightly bitter, smell fragrant, occasionally foul. Gills adnate, close, narrow to moderately broad; white, staining brownish with age. Spores 6–7.5×4.5–5.5¼, broadly ellipsoid, smooth; nonamyloid. Spore print white. Habitat in coniferous woods, normally in mountains; midsummer to autumn. Very rare, endangered on Red Data List, more common in southern Europe. Edible and much sought after in Japan.