Rhodocollybia incarnata (Rhodocollybia incarnata)

The fruitbody is a mushroom, with the cap atop a central stem. The cap may grow to about 5 centimetres in diameter and is initially convex but flattens with age. It is dark tan to reddish-brown but may be markedly paler in parts as moisture is lost. The surface is smooth, with a soapy to lightly greasy feel (though this may not show in dry conditions). The gills are white, with an irregular edge.

 The stem is smooth, may grow to over 5 centitmetres long and up to a centimetre wide and is white to buff in colour. It is hollow and tough, but when squeezed is liable to split lengthwise.

There is neither a universal nor a partial veil.

Spore print: cream (see note below).

It grows on soil in a variety of habitats, sometimes in large groups (but the mushrooms may be spread out rather than densely packed).

The first description of this species (under the name Collybia incarnata) was published in 1964, based on specimens collected in New Zealand. Some think that there's an Australian species distinct from that in New Zealand, but the relevant study is yet to be done. For now it is sensible to use the name Rhodocollybia incarnata. It is macroscopically similar to the northern hemisphere Rhodocollybia butyracea (previously Collybia butyracea) and (in both print and on the web) you will find reports of that species in Australia - but it is highly likely that the subjects of those reports are in fact incarnata.  

Look-alikes

The species should be fairly distinctive if all the above features are noted and the mushrooms are in prime condition. Other Collybia/Rhodocollybia and Gymnopus species may share some of the features noted above. If you wish to get some idea of those genera in the Australasian area, have a look at the photos in the latter half of this document: https://www.funnz.org.nz/sites/default/files/MycNotes31-GymnopusAndAllies_1.pdf.

Note

According to the original description of Rhodocollybia the species' give a pinkish spore print. Elsewhere I have read that you need a thick spore deposit, natural light and good eyes to see the slight colour. I may have seen a pinkish tinge in such a spore print, but I cannot rule out a bias caused by having read that it should be present.