Deer Shield Pluteus cervinus P. Kumm. (illustrated (f) 45% life size) Cap 4โ12cm across, bell-shaped then convex to flattened; sepia to dark umber, with radiating streaks. Stem 70โ100ร5โ15mm, slightly swollen at the base; white, becoming streaked with umber fibres. Flesh white; taste and smell not distinctive. Gills free; white, later dull pink. Spores 7โ8ร5โ6ยผ, broadly ellipsoid. Spore print pink. Cystidia fusoid, with thickened walls and crowned with several apical prongs. Habitat on rotting stumps, trunks, and sawdust of deciduous trees; early summer to late autumn, but also sporadically throughout the year. Very common. Edible but not worthwhile.
