Massive oyster for ID

[NickCantle]

Well, this was a pleasant surprise that we came across today. Upon first sight we immediately though Polypore of some kind, but when we saw the gills it was thoughts of Tapinella/Paxillus. However, it had a most pleasant smell and the mycelium at the bottom of the stem was pretty purple. Also, in T/P. atromentosa, there is usually a velvet band on the lower part of the stem. In our specimens, this was absent.

So are we looking at a lovely fruity smelling Tapinella/Paxillus atromentosa, or is this something else? The dimensions are;

Depth :- 180-220mm
Width :- 200-250mm

Substrate was a conifer stump, which again would put a point forward for my previous species suggestion.

Here are the photos;









I have quite a bit of one specimen so if a spore print is needed, just shout.

All help, comments and suggestions greatly appreciated

Nick

[cybershot]

The velvety brown stem of Tapinella atromentosa - Velvet Rollrim is, in my experience, pretty well unmistakable Nick

David

[NickCantle]

Same here, but it wasn't present here. The only reason I'd say it might be a Velvet Rollrim is because there's nothing else of this size and structure that I know of

[cybershot]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Same here, but it wasn't present here. The only reason I'd say it might be a Velvet Rollrim is because there's nothing else of this size and structure that I know of

They certainly grow in abundance to that size in the conifer sections of Minley Wood and have already made their appearance this year.

[NickCantle]

It did have slight 'scaly' bits atop the cap, but they were the same colour as the cap so they're not easily visible. Nice to see such a 'significant' mushroom in Mid August seeing as the Boletes aren't making a show here in Norfolk. In fact, not much is popping up here apart from a bucketload of stupid boring Collybias, dried up old Marasmius oreades and some rubbishy little puffballs.

Never mind, more to look forward to when the season decides to kick in up here

[flaxton]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Boletes aren't making a show here in Norfolk.

here

A few Leccinum and Boletus rubellus here Nick

[NickCantle]

...and L. sulphureus too I bet

What do you reckon to this one Mal?