Inocybe patouillardii

The potentially deadly mushroom red-staining Inocybe (Inocybe patouillardii) is one of the most poisonous members in this genus Inocybe. It is found growing in small groups on leaf litters. All mushroom guidebooks as well as the mushroomers advise that the entire genus should be avoided.

Identification
The cap is bell shape with pink-white and red marks or lines on it, hence its name. The edge of the cap is irregular with broken edges and rough texture. The gills are reddish-pink and are far apart. The stem, dark red-pink, is thin with no rings. The flesh is dark pink. The colour tends to fade in direct sunlight.

Habitat
It is commonest in beech woods and chalky soils, but grows in other broad-leaved woodland as well. It mainly grows on leaf litter usually during the spring and summer seasons.

Toxicity
Inocybe patouillardii contains muscarine, in much higher doses than Amanita muscaria and has been known to cause death, unlike the latter mushroom. .