Psathyrella laevissima Slender Stump Brittlestem

A fairly common brittlestem which grow on logs and stumps, particularly Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Similar to Common Stump Brittlestem (Psathyrella piluliformis) but smaller, more of a date-brown colour and with a more clearly striated cap. Like Common Stump Brittlestem it has small spores (5-6 microns long) and similar cheilocystidia, but some have a distinct nipple-like rostrum at their tip (not shown by the cheilocystidium in the photo). The edges of the gills are densely packed with spherical cells (see photo). Frequent in Beech woods in West Glamorgan.