Laccria bicolor

This is Laccaria bicolor - one of the deceivers. Its distinguishing characteristic is the purple down covering the lower part of its stipe.

It grows on nutrient poor, acidic soils and has recently been observed killing and digesting insects (springtails in particular.)  It absorbs nitrogen from the springtails and trades it for carbon with neighbouring trees via ecto-mycorrhizal connections.

Here is a clear (if slightly sensationalist) description of the discovery.

Amethyst Deceiver

Monday Mushroom #35

Had a great foray in the heaths and woodland around Worplesdon on Saturday. One of the stars of the show was a broad flush of amethyst deceivers - beautiful colours.

Laccaria amethystea - Amethyst Deceiver

They are often listed as a good edible mushroom, but contain unusually high concentrations of arsenic for a foodstuff.  Arsenic is a chemical that accumulates in the body, so ingesting small amounts over a long periodof time can lead to physical and mental degeneration, and while they do add a novel splash of colour to one's plate, they are not so remarkable on the palate.

Laccaria amethystea - Amethyst Deceiver

I met a couple of men with baskets in the woods - they were foraging for mushrooms, but - quite sensibly - were sticking to ceps.

Boletus edulis - Cep