Spectacular Rustgill

Spectacular Rustgill Gymnopilus junonius (Fr.) P.D. Orton syn. Pholiota spectabilis var. junonia (Fr.) J.E. Lange (illustrated 40% life size) Cap 5–15cm across, convex then expanded; rich golden-tawny; covered in small, fibrous, adpressed scales. Stem 50–120×15–35mm, usually swollen in lower part but narrowed again at base; chrome-yellow to ochre-buff; fibrous; ring yellowish, becoming rusty from spores, membranous, soon collapsing. Flesh pale yellowish; taste bitter, smell not distinctive. Gills slightly decurrent; yellow then rusty brown. Spores 8–10×5–6¼, elliptical to almond-shaped, roughened. Spore print rust. Cheilocystidia skittle-shaped, thin-walled, hyaline. Habitat in dense clusters at the base of deciduous trees or on stumps or logs; late summer to early winter. Common. Not edible.