Amanita rubescens ([Pers.] Fr.) S. F. Gray Blusher, Amanite rougissante, Golmotte, perlpilz Cap 5–15cm across, rosy brown to flesh colour, sometimes with a yellowish flush covered with white or slightly reddish patches. Stem 60–140´10–25mm, white, strongly flushed with cap colour, white above the striate membranous ring, becoming reddish near the bulbous base which occasionally has scattered scaly patches of volva. Flesh white, gradually becoming pink when bruised or exposed to air, especially in the stem. Taste mild at first then faintly acrid, smell not distinctive. Gills free, white, becoming spotted with red where damaged. Spore print white. Spores ovate, amyloid, 8–9 x 5–5.5µ. Habitat in coniferous and deciduous woodland. Season summer to autumn. Very common. Edible when cooked but poisonous if eaten raw; the water it is cooked in should be discarded, best to avoid it altogether as it does contain dangerous toxins. Distribution, America and Europe. |