The basal tomentum occurs at the very base of the stipe as a layer of fine hairs, or it may be strigose (consisting of longer and stiffer hairs). Sometimes the tomentum extends above the stipe base. The colour is most often white or pale, but sometimes it can be quite brightly coloured. Similar colours can also be shown by the fine mycelial threads that may arise from the stipe base and ramify through the soil or substrate.

The term 'basal mycelium' is sometimes used to refer to both the basal tomentum and any mycelial threads.

If there is no obvious basal tomentum, do not choose any states for this feature.

Choose this state if: the basal tomentum is brown.