Blusher - Amanita rubescens

It has the swollen base (or volva), stem ring and flecked cap that are typical of this group. The rosy brown cap is largely covered by the pale mosaic of veil fragments when young, but as it grows the reddish patches become more obvious. The flesh also bruises pink when exposed to air. Can be eaten if treated correctly but best avoided as some similar species are deadly poisonous.

The Grey-spotted Amanita, A. excelsa var. spissa, is similar but without any pink tinges and with grey rather than brown scales on the cap.

• volva at base of stem
• stem ring
• scaly brown cap
• exposed flesh turns pink

It is found in both deciduous and coniferous woodland.

June to October

Widespread and common in Britain

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.