Parasol mushroom
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| Macrolepiota procera (Scop. : Fr.) Sing. |
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The parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) is a fungus with a large, prominent fruiting body that is aptly named after a lady's parasol. It is a fairly common species on well-drained soils. Most frequently, it is found solitary or in large groups and fairy rings in pastures and more rarely, in woodland. Globally, it is widespread in temperate regions.
[edit] Features
The height, which often reaches 40 centimetres and the cap diameter of a mature specimen which can also reach 40 centimetres, are truly impressive. The stipe is relatively thin and reaches full height before the cap has expanded. The stipe is very fibrous in texture which garners it inedible. The surface is characteristically wrapped in a snakeskin-like pattern of scaly growths. The immature cap is compact and egg-shaped, with the cap margin around the stipe, sealing a chamber inside the cap. As it matures, the margin breaks off, leaving a fleshy, movable ring around the stipe. At full maturity, the cap is more or less flat, with a chocolate-brown umbo in the centre that is leathery to touch. Dark and cap-coloured flakes remain on the upper surface of the cap and can be removed easily. The gills are crowded, free, and white with a pale pink tinge sometimes present. The spore print is white. It has a pleasant nutty smell.
[edit] Uses
It is a very sought after and popular fungus in Europe, due in part to its large size, seasonal frequency and versatility in the kitchen.
The parasol mushroom is widely considered a mushroom that is easy to identify, and therefore "safe". Nevertheless, strict measures and caution to identify this mushroom for consumption should be exercised.
It is said to be delicious when fried in butter.
[edit] Similar species
Smaller but similar in appearance is the common shaggy parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes) which is also edible and widely collected, though one should still exercise control in distinguishing the two. The shaggy parasol can cause mild sickness. Differences from the parasol mushroom include its smaller dimensions, pungent and reddening flesh when cut, lack of patterns on its stipe, and very shaggy cap surface.
Another European species, Macroplepiota mastoidea is also a very large mushroom and an edible. Its dimensions are generally smaller than that of M. procera and the markings on its stipe less obvious.
Species of Agaricus have brown spores and the gills of mature specimens are never white.
There are a few poisonous species which can be mistaken for M. Procera. Chlorophyllum molybdites is a green-spored species from North America. Leucocoprinus brunnea, also found in North America, turns slowly brown when sliced, while sliced Parasols turn pink or reddish orange. White and immature species of Amanita are also a potential hazard.
