Brown Rollrim

Paxillus involutus

banner
Appears in
Mushrooms

By Roger Phillips

Published 2006

  • About

Brown Rollrim Paxillus involutus (Batsch) Fr. (illustrated 50% life size) Cap 5–14cm across, margin remaining inrolled; ochraceous or fulvous with olivaceous flush at first, becoming more rusty brown, finally hazel- or walnut-brown; viscid at centre when wet, downy throughout particularly at margin, becoming smooth later. Stem up to 75×8–12mm; concolorous with cap, becoming stained chestnut, especially with age or on bruising. Flesh pale ochre in cap, fulvous in stem base, darkening on cutting; taste acidic, smell fungusy. Gills decurrent, crowded; pale ochre then sienna, bruising vinaceous or chestnut. Spores 8–10×5–6¼, ellipsoid. Spore print sienna. Habitat in broad-leaved woodland, especially with birch on acid heathland; late summer to late autumn. Very common. Deadly poisonous it has been known to cause death after consumption over a period.