Stropharia sp query

[watsthat]

Is it possible to tell the difference between Stropharia aeruginosa and S. caerulea , without microscopy.

For example; I found this today on a substrate of mossy gravel in mixed (but mainly broad leaved) woodland.



Cheers

Pete

[mollisia]

Hello Pete,

your foto shows very probably Stropharia caerulea.
The differences between aeruginosa and caerulea are:
copious veil, long time as distinct ring on the stem - veil fast vanishing, even in young fruitbodies not as evidently ringed as aeruginosa
gill and spore print colour dark violet-brown - gill and spore print colour dark brown, without that purple or violet hue that is typical for Stropharia
gill edge white - gill edge same colour as the sides.
usually or at least often growing inside forests, often in near or even attached to rotten wood - growing usually in open places, often with nettle (Urtica).

best regards,
Andreas

[watsthat]

Many thanks Andreas

Does this gill shot subtantiate your advice? i.e. no white edge, (I`m not sure about the gill colour and I didn`t take a specimen to do a spore print).



Pete

[mollisia]

Hello Pete,

I would not be sure about the gill edge from the foto, but the gill colour for me is clearly indicating Stropharia caerulea.

best regards,
Andreas