Amethyst deceiver, Amethystina laccaria
Laccaria amethystina

Family: Tricholomataceae

What it is like

A mushroom which grows in large groups. The cap is 1-5 cm across. It is curved over when young but becomes flattened with age and can develop a low spot in the centre. It is deep purple lilac in colour. The stem is 4-10 cm long. It is hollow and has slightly white fibres near the cap. The gills are the same colour as the cap. The spore print is white.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in pine and deciduous forest. They are often under beech and chestnut trees.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Balkans, Britain, Bulgaria, Central America, Costa Rica, Europe, Himalayas, Hungary, Mexico, Nepal, North America, Russia

How it is used for food

They can be eaten fresh. It can be dried and stored. It can also be stored in spiced alcohol.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Mushroom, fungus

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Xocoyol

Synonyms

Clitocybe amethystina; Laccaria laccata (Scop.:Fr.) Cke var. amethystina (Huds.) Ck.) Rea;