Lion Shield

Lion Shield Pluteus leoninus (Schaeff.) P. Kumm. (illustrated 75% life size) Cap 4–6cm across, convex to flattened and slightly umbonate; deep yellow to bright golden, striate at the margin; minutely velvety. Stem 50–75×3–10mm; whitish, becoming flushed yellow from the base up. Flesh whitish, turning brownish in stem base; thin. Gills free; pale pink, often edged with yellow. Spores 6.5–7.5×5–6¼, subglobose. Spore print pink. Pleurocystidia fusiform. Cap cuticle filamentous. Habitat on wood of deciduous trees; autumn. Uncommon, rare on Red Data List. Unknown edibility.