》when I carried out the pileipillis test I was careful to extract the outermost layer.《
Hi Steve,
2 options:
(a) your pileipellis sample was taken from a place where the balloon cells were already washed away or collapsed
(b) your fungus is not a Cystolepiota
Using the tape method, you can sample a larger area of the cap, making (a) less probable. Currently, we cannot decide wether (a) or (b) is true.
Congo can increase contrast, but for Cystolepiota should not be necessary. Phloxin works best on living cells, I dont know whether it stains the balloon cells.
By chance, I have a Cystolepiota finding here. I'll try to post a picture of the cap cuticle later.
Wolfgang
