Cortinarius (Dermocybe) purpureus

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Mushrooms

By Roger Phillips

Published 2006

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Cortinarius (Dermocybe) purpureus (Pers.) Fuckel syn. C. phoeniceus (Vent.) Maire (illustrated 50% life size) (illustrated 50% life size) Cap 2.5–6cm across, convex then expanded, often irregularly lobed; ochraceous red-brown to chestnut with metallic copper-red sheen when dry; silky or with a few adpressed tawny scales near the centre. Stem 25–90×5–12mm, slightly tapered at base when mature; yellowish, covered in adpressed tawny or red fibrils, often forming concentric bands of scales below cortinal zone, base covered in pinkish or yellowish down. Flesh whitish to yellowish, with reddish tinge below cap cuticle and sometimes in stem apex and base; taste none or slightly bitter, smell none or slight, pleasant. Gills almost free; blood-red, later tinged rust-red. Spores 6–8×3.8–4.5¼, almond- to pip-shaped, minutely roughened. Spore print rust. Habitat in conifer and beech woods; autumn. Uncommon. Suspect avoid.