Cortinarius (Phlegmacium) variicolor (Pers.) Fr. (illustrated 40% life size) Cap 5–13cm across, convex; a mixture of violet and pale rusty red; sticky at first, may become dry later. Stem 15–20×10–18mm, base swollen to clavate with violaceous fibrils. Flesh whitish with hints of violet; taste mild, smell sweetish, pleasant or earthy. Gills adnate; violet to pallid clay at first, then more rusty. Spores 8.5–11.6×5–6.5¼, rather variable in size, almond- to lemon-shaped, warty. Spore print rusty brown. Habitat with conifers on acid soil; autumn. Uncommon, vulnerable on Red Data List. Not edible.
