Scaly Fibrecap

Scaly Fibrecap Inocybe hystrix (Fr.) P. Karst. (illustrated 55% life size) Cap 2–4cm across, convex or with a low, broad umbo; covered in dark brown, pointed, erect scales on a pale background. Stem 40–80×5–8mm, sometimes slightly thickened towards the base; covered in dark brown, recurved scales except for the paler apex. Flesh whitish-pallid; taste mild, smell slight. Gills adnate; whitish at first, then pale clay with a white edge. Spores 9–11.5×4.5–6.5¼, almond-shaped, smooth. Spore print walnut-brown. Cheilo- and pleurocystidia thick-walled, fusoid, with apical encrustation. Habitat in deciduous woods, especially beech; autumn. Uncommon, better known in Scotland. Poisonous.