Medusa Brittlestem

Medusa Brittlestem Psathyrella caput-medusae (Fr.) Konrad & Maubl. (illustrated 55% life size) Cap 4–5cm across, campanulate; dull date-brown when moist, with small, fibrillose scales that have darker tips. Stem 50–100×7–8mm; white; fibrillose-scaly below a membranous ring. Flesh white; taste and smell pleasant. Gills adnate, crowded, narrow; white then pinkish-grey to brown. Spores 9–12×4.5–6¼, ovate to elliptical. Spore print purplish-brown. Pleurocystidia obtuse to rounded. Habitat on conifer wood; autumn. Rare on Red Data List. Unknown edibility, avoid.