Cortinarius elegantissimus is one mushroom from the oak woods, also from the evergreen oaks. It outstands by its shiny yellow, sulfur like color. Nevertheless, it darkens to brown while ageing, specifically on the center of the cap. The bottom of the stipe blows up and outlines one edge.
The genus Cortinarius is really large. Its name comes from the partial veil or curtain that was covering the grills. However, the light veil disappears fast, it’s found just in still growing individuals. In mature mushrooms, usually it can be traced on the stipe by the dark strips where the veil was welded or by its two color shades, lighter on top part that was covered for a while. In addition, Cortinarius are known by the growth of the basement of the stipe with a remarked edge. They are not edible. See also Cortinarius caerulescens and Cortinarius calochrous.
[photos Jordi Badia]