Help identify this please

Colin Lofthouse · #1 (**permalink**) 13-10-2011, 09:24 PM

Hi this is a fungus found in August. It was one of a group growing under beech and birch. It bruised bright yellow when touched. Im just getting interested in this and at the time didn't know to check gills or not so can't tell you. Any advice would be great can't find it in any javascript:void(0)

javascript:void(0)

NickCantle · #2 (**permalink**) 13-10-2011, 09:29 PM

Hiya!

Looks like a Bolete affected by a mould, possibly Hypomyces chrysospermus.

fairplay · #3 (**permalink**) 13-10-2011, 10:49 PM

I'm not so sure if the second photo is a Bolete as I have seen Cortinarius like this too.

Neil.

Colin Lofthouse · #4 (**permalink**) 14-10-2011, 06:26 AM

Thanks nick I too thought the first was a bolete but when I saw the second shape of the cap and wildly tapering stipe I was put off track. I hadn't considered that the White/yellow appearance could be a secondRy mould. Very interesting. The second example is really odd with the seeming hole in the top of the cap. But again this could be secondary attack or could a mould effect proper formation. The idea of a deformation during growth is fascinating.

NickCantle · #5 (**permalink**) 14-10-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairplay

I'm not so sure if the second photo is a Bolete as I have seen Cortinarius like this too.

Neil.

Good point, didn't think of that. Never seen a Cortinarius affected by Hypomyces (or similar) I've heard that keeping your eyes open whilst foraying can be beneficial

flaxton · #6 (**permalink**) 14-10-2011, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairplay

I'm not so sure if the second photo is a Bolete as I have seen Cortinarius like this too.

Neil.

I am sure it is a Bolete a bit like these

which were just in the early stages of mould attack.

Mal

fairplay · #7 (**permalink**) 14-10-2011, 11:10 AM

Thanks for putting that up Mal - that's pretty convincing.
The infected fungus I saw was growing in a large clump of nettles with Salix and Alnus reasonably close.
The cap was very small and un-expanded but the stem was extremely swollen at the base just as in your photos.
Problem is, my specimen was pale lilac making me think it had to be a rare Cortinarius and when cut in half I am sure it had gills - if there were tubes I know I would have been surprised at being tricked, but I accept the cap was so tight it wouldn't at that stage be easy to tell if gills or tubes were present.

The fungus quickly succumbed to the Hypomyces attack though so I'm now inclined to accept it was a Bolete - and it was over 15 years ago !

Neil.