In a church yard. 29 October 2020 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. Synonymns Agaricus nivescens Cap Convex, expanding with age, smooth or radially fibrous, sometimes splitting radially, often with ring remnants attached to the margin, white, slightly brown or ochraceous with age, about 7 to 16 cm across Gills Broad, crowded, free, pinkish, then chocolate brown finally dark brown Stem Equal, often tapered at the base, sometimes bent, white, sometimes pinkish above the ring, ring large forming a double cog wheel pattern Flesh White, firm Smell Pleasant, sweetish, variously described as aniseed, almond or mushroom Taste Mushroomy Season Autumn Distribution Rarely reported but probably frequent Habitat On soil with grass, or on dunes Spore Print Dark brown Microscopic Features Spores ellipsoidal, smooth (6-7) x (4-5) µm2. Basidia club shaped, 4 spored. Gill edge cystidia club shaped, cylindrical or globose. Edibility Edible, good Notes The cap surface turns lemon yellow when a dop of KOH solution is applied. This is a characteristic of Agaricus species in the Arvenses, Minores and Xanthodermati groups. This species is closely related to A. arvensis. It is separated by weakly or non yellowing flesh, a fainter smell and smaller spores. Some authorities treat this species as synonymous with Agaricus arvensis. 
Spores in Congo Red solution viewed with a x100 immersion objective. 29 October 2020 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
Gill edge in Congo Red solution viewed with a x40 objective. 29 October 2020 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. |