Lepiota hystrix

Lepiota hystrix F.H. Møller & J.E. Lange (illustrated 55% life size) Cap 4–6cm across, ovate at first then convex, the margin overhanging; surface disrupted into coarse, pyramidal, brownish-black scales, which decrease in size towards the margin, revealing the white subcutaneous layer; the margin exuding reddish droplets, which become dark brown with age. Stem 50–60×6–10mm; apex whitish and exuding reddish droplets like the cap margin; lower side of ring and rest of stem covered in dark brown scales like the cap. Flesh whitish; taste fungal, like puffballs, smell strong, reminiscent of elderflowers. Gills crowded, not forked; white with blackish edges (not visible in my picture). Spores 6–7×2.5–3¼, narrowly elliptic to subcylindrical; dextrinoid. Spore print white. Cheilocystidia clavate, thin-walled. Tips of scales on cap surface formed of brown sphaerocysts. Habitat in deciduous woodland; late summer. Rare. Not edible contains toxins.