The Blusher Amanita rubescens Pers. (illustrated (d) 50% life size) Cap 5β15cm across; rosy brown to flesh colour, sometimes with a yellowish flush, covered with white or slightly reddish patches. Stem 60β140Γ10β25mm, 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 8β9Γ5β5.5ΒΌ, 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.
