Volvariella speciosa
Lilloa 22 (1949): 401. 1951.
Common Name: none
Synonym: Volvariella gloiocephala
Cap 6-14 cm broad, conic to oval becoming convex, nearly plane at maturity and usually umbonate; white to greyish, sometimes pale greyish-brown, disc darker; surface smooth, viscid when moist, shiny when dry; flesh white, soft; odor of radish.
Gills free, broad, close, white, becoming salmon-colored at maturity.
Stipe 9-18 cm tall, 1.5-2 cm thick, equal, white to pale grey with a white, membranous volva; partial veil absent.
Spores 12-20 x 8-12 µm, smooth, elliptical. Spore print salmon-pink.
Solitary, scattered, to gregarious on disturbed ground, e.g. cultivated fields, near compost heaps, lawns, and chip beds; especially common in areas landscaped with iceplant; fruiting from late winter to spring.
Edible, of variable quality.
A handsome mushroom,Volvariella speciosa is sometimes mistaken for an Amanita because of its stature, free gills and volva. However, at maturity its salmon-colored gills and spores easily distinguish it from Amanita species.
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