Fleshy Fungi of New Brunswick >> Cortinarius pilatii

Cortinarius pilatii Svrček

Gregarious in Sphagnum carpet under Abies balsamea, near Point Lepreau lighthouse, New Brunswick (26-08-85/02 - NBM F-713).

Basidiospores ellipsoidal to amygdaloid, finely granular-warted, 7.0-8.9 X 4.6-5.4 μm, D/d = 1.51-1.81 (average(39): 8.2 X 4.9 μm, D/d= 1.66).

This collection differs slightly from those reported in Europe in its more amygdaliform basidiospores, although the sizes are similar. In fact, the spore shape is closer to that illustrated in Funga Nordica for C. hemitrichus, a species said to be associated with Betula species. Cortinarius flos-paludis, a similar species found under conifers in Sphagnum carpets, differs in having pale yellowish gills when young and rather broad, sometimes subglobose basidiospores. The gills in Collection 26-08-85/02 were described as darker brown when young. Cortinarius flabellus is similar in appearance and habitat but has a marked odour of Pelargonium and much broader basidiospres.

Photograph: D. Malloch (26-08-85/02 - NBM F-713).