Flaming Scalycap

Flaming Scalycap Pholiota flammans (Batsch) P. Kumm. (illustrated 35% life size) Cap 2–8cm across, convex then expanded, margin incurved; tawny yellow, covered in recurved lemon- to sulphur-yellow scales. Stem 40–80×4–10mm; bright yellow; concolorous, cottony ring near apex, densely covered in concolorous scales below. Flesh pale yellow. Gills adnate; pale yellow at first, darkening to rusty yellow with age. Spores 4–4.5×2–2.5¼, elliptical. Spore print rusty. Pleurocystidia lanceolate with pointed apex, staining deeply cotton blue in lactic acid. Habitat singly or in tufts on conifer stumps or fallen trunks; late summer to autumn. Rare, more frequent in the Scottish Highlands. Not edible.