Toughshank, Spindle-shank

Toughshank, Spindle-shank Collybia fusipes (Bull.) Quél. (illustrated 35% life size) Cap 3–7cm across, convex with broad umbo; dark red-brown and slightly viscid when moist, drying smooth and pale tan. Stem 40–90×7–15mm, swollen in the middle, tapering towards a thin, stalk-like, rooting base, the whole stem grooved and twisted along its length and often fused at the base to several others; pale tan at apex, darker towards middle. Flesh whitish, tinged pale reddish-brown; taste mild, smell slight. Gills free or attached to stem by a small, decurrent tooth; whitish then tinged reddish-brown. Spores 4–6×2–3¼, elliptical or pip-shaped. Spore print white. Habitat in dense tufts at the base of deciduous trees or stumps, especially beech and oak; spring to early winter. Common. Not edible due to its toughness. Note this fungus will probably be renamed as the type species for the genus Gymnopus.