"Porpolomopsis lewelliniae" is a gilled fungus of the waxcap family found in wet forests of eastern Australia and New Zealand. The small mauve- or lilac-coloured mushrooms are fairly common and appear in moss or leaf litter on the forest floor in autumn, and are biotrophic. The key distinguishing feature is the splitting of the cap dividing down the middle of the individual gills.
Similar species: Agaricales
By Ernst
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Uploaded Jun 7, 2025. Captured Sep 5, 2018 20:55 in 57F6+RG Yanakie VIC, Australia.
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Some fungi produce pigments such as quinones, phenolic compounds, or terphenyls, which can create shades of purple, red, or blue. pH sensitivity or substrate, potentially can enhance lilac tones. While research on Porpolomopsis lewelliniae is limited, cortinarin-like pigments or betacyanin analogues are known to give some mushrooms purplish hues. The pigments may also serve a protective function against UV light, bacteria, or herbivory during spore development.
There is no documented culinary use for these mushrooms. More important is that even though there is no known toxicity — the lack of evidence is not a guarantee of safety. Don't' eat it! Posted 2 months ago
I can assure you that I have no intention to eat it. I stick to the ones from the supermarket. Posted 2 months ago