The Blusher

The Blusher Amanita rubescens Pers. (illustrated (d) 50% life size) Cap 5–15cm across; rosy brown to flesh colour, sometimes with a yellowish flush, covered with white or slightly reddish patches. Stem 60–140×10–25mm, with bulbous base; white above the striate, membranous ring, white strongly flushed with cap colour below, and becoming reddish near the base, which occasionally has scattered, scaly patches of volva. Flesh white, gradually becoming pink when bruised or exposed to air, especially in the stem; taste mild at first then faintly acrid, smell not distinctive. Gills free; white, becoming spotted with red where damaged. Spores 8–9×5–5.5¼, ovate; amyloid. Spore print white. Habitat in coniferous and deciduous woodland; summer to autumn. Very common. Edible when cooked, but poisonous raw; the water it is cooked in should be discarded.