Agaricus pattersonae
| Agaricus pattersonae | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Agaricales |
| Family: | Agaricaceae |
| Genus: | Agaricus |
| Species: | A. pattersonae |
| Binomial name | |
| Agaricus pattersonae Peck | |
| Agaricus pattersonae | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | gills on hymenium |
 |
cap is convex or flat |
 | hymenium is free |
 | stipe has a ring |
 | spore print is brown |
 | ecology is saprotrophic |
 | edibility: edible |
Agaricus pattersonae is an edible species of mushroom. It was first described in the literature in 1907 by Charles Horton Peck,[1] based on specimens found by A. M. Patterson, a botany student at Stanford University. This species is placed in section Sanguinolenti of genus Agaricus.[2]
Description
The cap, 5–19 cm in diameter, is initially almost hemispherical in shape, transforming to broadly convex and finally to flattened or with edges upturned in age. The cap surface is dry, with fibrils when young, but later the fibrils form large, dark brown appressed squamules (2–9 mm long x 2–5 mm broad). The cap color may be various shades of brown depending on the maturity of the specimen. The cap flesh is typically 1–3 cm thick, firm, white, and stains deep red 20–30 seconds after injury or bruising. The odor immediately after cutting is mild, faintly spicy, but several minutes may be described as 'fruity'. An edible mushroom, the taste of A. pattersonae is described as mild, pleasant, and slightly sweet.[2]
The gills are free in attachment, close, 5–15 mm broad, and marginate. The light-cinnamon color in young specimens turns to a dark blackish brown in age after the spores develop. Bruised gills stain a vinaceous (wine-colored) red.
The stipe is usually 8–18 cm long x 2.5–4 cm thick with a bulbous shape. The interior is hollow, with the internal cavity being between 5–9 mm thick. The stem context somewhat fibrous and white in color, except for the basal section which is yellowish. Bruising or cutting results in a red stain after a minute. The surface of the stipe is barely striate above the annulus, and smooth below except for fragments of the universal veil. During development the veils rupture and form an upper veil (partial veil), which initially hangs from the pileus edge, and a lower veil. As the partial veil disintegrates, it often leaves fragments 2–3 mm in size attached to the margin.
The spores are roughly elliptical in shape, 7–8.5 x 5.5–6.5 µm. The basidia, which may be 1–, 2–, 3–, or 4–spored (although usually 4–spored during active sporulation), are 26–34 x 7–11 µm, cylinder- to club-shaped, with sterigmata that are 2–3 µm long. Cheilocystidia are 12–32 x 6–15 µm in size, almost cylindrical or club-shaped, and may appear clumped or continuous.
Habitat and distribution
The species is associated with cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) trees, where it grows singly or in groups. Kerrigan[2] notes that is seems to be restricted to mature trees (age 40+ years) located in the coastal counties of California, although Smith[3] mentions that it has also been found in the Great Lakes regions.
See also
References
- ↑ Peck CH. (1907). New Species of Fungi. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 34(7): 345-349.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kerrigan RW. (1979). Studies in Agaricus I.Agaricus pattersonae. Mycologia 71(3): 612-620.
- ↑ Weber, Nancy S.; Smith, Alexander Hanchett (1980). The mushroom hunter's field guide. Ann Arbor, Mich: University of Michigan Press. ISBN 0-472-85610-3.