Psathyrella ammophila Dune Brittlestem

Psathyrella ammophila is one of the most common members of the sand dune fungal assemblage. Its fruiting bodies often appear in large numbers in the bare-sand areas amongst Sand Couch (Elymus junceiformis) and Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria) in fore dunes and it is widespread in this habitat in West Glamorgan. The cap, which can be up to 6cm in diameter, is usually date brown and is often covered in sand. The gills are grey brown becoming darker with age and sometimes with tints of purple.