| Agaricus arvensis Schaeff.:Fr. |
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common name(s) : Horse Mushroom
synonyms: Psalliota arvensis, Agaricus cretaceus ss.auct. edibility : edible, good
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The cap is white then golden-yellow with age, egg-shaped, then convex and finally expanded, with a flat central disk; its margin is flaky. The cap surface is covered with very fine scales, not viscid nor sticky. The stem is white, rather short, quickly hollow, cylindrical, or slightly swollen towards base, with a large, double, membranous ring (with a cog wheel pattern underneath). The flesh is white, yellowing slightly then turning brown; its taste is nutty or of aniseed; the odour is pleasant, of aniseed or bitter almonds; its texture is fibrous. The gills are pale grey then red grey then brown, free, crowded (nb of gills per 90° ~ 70 ). The spore print is tobacco brown. This species is saprophytic. It grows on the ground, in parks, meadows, pastures, gardens, rich grassland. The fruiting period takes place from April to November.
Chemical tests : positive reaction to Schaeffer's test. Distinctive features : large species, turning yellow when touched; odour of aniseed; double ring with cog-wheel pattern underneath; flesh turning yellow but weakly when exposed to air; stem becoming hollow with age; in meadows Agaricus arvensis is quite rare and localised in the forest of Rambouillet, and is occasional, more generally speaking . | ||
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page updated on 14/01/18