Gypsy Mushroom

Rozites caperata – Edible

Coniferous and deciduous forests. Summer, more often autumn (until the frost).

Fruiting bodies medium-sized. Cap 5-7 (12) cm across, bell- or helmet-shaped, eventually flattened, with an umbo; when young it is whitish with a greyish-violet bloom from the veil, when old yellowish, straw-coloured. Gills cream, yellowish-brown, adnexed. Stem 7-12 (15)x1-3 cm, of uniform thickness or slightly thickening downwards, ochre, yellowish, brownish, with a falling-off ring. Flesh whitish, yellowish, with a pleasant smell and taste. Characteristic features: mature fruiting bodies straw-coloured, stem with a membranous ring. Grows in groups, most often in pine and spruce forests. Very common. A good edible mushroom, loved by many mushroom pickers.