Plants and animals of Pointfield

Large fungus up to 15 cm in cap diameter. Cap red, domed initially, flattening out with age; covered in whitish scales that turn pale brown with age. Cap and stalk red-staining where bruised. Gills free, white. Stalk thick, white, bulbous at base; smooth with striated ring. Spore print white. Spores ellipsoidal, smooth, thin-walled, amyloid, no germ pore; 7.2-8.8 x 5.0-6.6 um, mean = 7.7 x 5.5um, N = 19. No cystidia. Basidia 4-spored.

In open grassy settings in deciduous woodland. Common under the broadleaf trees (beech) bordering Shedden Park.