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Agaricus praeclaresquamosus
Classification: BASIDIOMYCOTINA - HOMOBASIDIOMYCETES -
AGARICALES - AGARICACAE
Etymology:
Agaricus: from Greek agarikon, a kind of fungus, from Agaria,
a town in Sarmatia
praeclaresquamosus: Latin praeclare=clearly, obviously + Latin
squamosus=squamous, having scales; i.e. having obvious scales
Synonyms: Agaricus meleagris, Agaricus placomyces
Cap 5-15 cm across, ovoid then convex to expanded, usually broadly depressed at center,
densely covered with small dark brown or blackish scales on a whitish ground. Angular
cracks can develop in larger specimens leaving the whitish ground more or less exposed,
though the center remains dark (see photo 2).
Gills free, crowded, pale at first, then light pink, finally dark brown.
Stem 6-12 x 1-2 cm, white becoming brownish, smooth, base bulbous.
Ring large, membranous, thick, white, yellowing impressively when rubbed.
Flesh white, yellowing (all parts, especially the ring) when bruised or rubbed.
Smell phenolic (of iodine or ink). Taste not distinctive.
Habitat: in broad-leaved woods, usually in disturbed sites.
Occurrence: summer to autumn.
Edibility: Poisonous
to most people, although some can eat it without any ill effects.
More photos:
1