Agaricus macrosporus
Encyclopedia
Agaricus macrosporus is a rare, edible mushroom
found from June at wood fringes and in meadows.
is hemispherical and white when young, but later flattens out up to 25 cm in diameter and becomes yellowish or tan. Its flesh
is very thick. The gills are pinkish grey when young, and become brown with age. The spore
s measure 12 by 6 μm
and are purplish-brown and almond-shaped. The stem
is strong and thick, with a broad ring. It may measure 8 to 12 cm in height and up to 3 cm in diameter.
The flesh is white with a mild taste and a smell of aniseed, turning slowly orange when cut.
is different by its taller and slimmer stipe which is striped lengthwise. Agaricus augustus
does not have the pure white cap in young specimens.
Fungus
A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds , as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria...
found from June at wood fringes and in meadows.
Description
The white capPileus (mycology)
The pileus is the technical name for the cap, or cap-like part, of a basidiocarp or ascocarp that supports a spore-bearing surface, the hymenium. The hymenium may consist of lamellae, tubes, or teeth, on the underside of the pileus...
is hemispherical and white when young, but later flattens out up to 25 cm in diameter and becomes yellowish or tan. Its flesh
Trama (mycology)
In mycology trama is a term for the inner, fleshy portion of a mushroom's basidiocarp, or fruit body. It is distinct from the outer layer of tissue, known as the pileipellis or cuticle, and from the spore-bearing tissue layer known as the hymenium....
is very thick. The gills are pinkish grey when young, and become brown with age. The spore
Spore
In biology, a spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many bacteria, plants, algae, fungi and some protozoa. According to scientist Dr...
s measure 12 by 6 μm
Micrometer
A micrometer , sometimes known as a micrometer screw gauge, is a device incorporating a calibrated screw used widely for precise measurement of small distances in mechanical engineering and machining as well as most mechanical trades, along with other metrological instruments such as dial, vernier,...
and are purplish-brown and almond-shaped. The stem
Stipe (mycology)
thumb|150px|right|Diagram of a [[basidiomycete]] stipe with an [[annulus |annulus]] and [[volva |volva]]In mycology a stipe refers to the stem or stalk-like feature supporting the cap of a mushroom. Like all tissues of the mushroom other than the hymenium, the stipe is composed of sterile hyphal...
is strong and thick, with a broad ring. It may measure 8 to 12 cm in height and up to 3 cm in diameter.
The flesh is white with a mild taste and a smell of aniseed, turning slowly orange when cut.
Similar species
There is a danger of confusing this mushroom with the deadly poisonous bulbous agaric Amanita phalloides and Amanita pantherina. Agaricus excellensAgaricus excellens
Agaricus excellens is a rare mushroom in the genus Agaricus. It is native to Europe.-Description:...
is different by its taller and slimmer stipe which is striped lengthwise. Agaricus augustus
Agaricus augustus
Agaricus augustus, known commonly as the prince, is a basidiomycete fungus of the genus Agaricus.-Taxonomy:According to Heinemann's popular division of Agaricus, A. augustus belongs to section Arvenses. The system proposed by Wasser classifies A. augustus within subgenus Flavoagaricus, section...
does not have the pure white cap in young specimens.