Leucoagaricus ionidicolor
Violet Dapperling
Status:
Very Rare.
From 'Leucos' meaning white in Greek and Agaricus a genus of mushroom meaning 'of the country'.
Cap:
3-10cm
Stem:
3-7cm
Violet coloured.
Description
An unmistakeable species, its beauty and rairty make this a must see species for most fungi enthuasiasts. Often occuring as individual specimens when fruiting though sometimes in small groups not over more than 10 fruiting bodies. The deep purple colour of the cap seems stronger when specimens are slightly drier.
Spores
6-7x3.5-4.5.
Smell
Fungaloid, not too strong, but a distinctive 'fungi' smell. Stronger on drying.
Season
September to November, the images above were taken on the 30th November after a particularly mild Autumn.
Habitat & Distribution
Occurs with both decidious and coniferous trees, on rich soil usually with rotting wood around (ours were on rich soil with very rotten woodchip). It is a very rare find over most of Europe with a handful of records in each country it is found.
Edibility
Likely poisonous.
Spore Print Colour
White.
Confusion Species
Highly unlikely to be confused with anything else, there are other small Cystolepiota which are lilac, but they are smaller and more delicate (usually with a smell).