CAP: 3 - 8cm in diameter. Starting conical becoming more flattened but nearly always retaining the distinctive central umbo. Darkish-purple rarely through to chestnut with a darker centre and a skin that is two thirds peeling. The margin is slightly furrowed and the cap is hardly sticky when wet. STIPE: Simple and white throughout. GILLS/PORES: The gills are pale ochre, adnexed and start off closely spaced. FLESH: White, granular and brittle with a mild taste throughout except the cap surface which is noticeably bitter. SPORES: White, ovoid with spines or warts. HABITAT: Scattered within pine forest. SEASON: Infrequent. Late summer to autumn. EDIBILITY: Edible. |
