Agaricus arvensis

Taxobox
name = Horse mushroom


image_width = 200px
image_caption = "Agaricus arvensis"
regnum = Fungi
divisio = Basidiomycota
classis = Agaricomycetes
subclassis = Homobasidiomycetidae
ordo = Agaricales
familia = Agaricaceae
genus = "Agaricus"
species = "A. arvensis"
binomial = "Agaricus arvensis"
binomial_authority = Schaeff.mycomorphbox
name = Agaricus arvensis
whichGills = free
capShape =convex
hymeniumType=gills
stipeCharacter=ring
ecologicalType=saprotrophic
sporePrintColor=brown
sporePrintColor2=blackish-brown
howEdible=edible

The Horse Mushroom, "Agaricus arvensis", is a mushroom of the genus "Agaricus".

Taxonomy

Described as "Agaricus arvensis" by Jacob Christian Schaeffer in 1762, and given numerous binomial descriptions since.(Notably in the 1950's). It's present name arvensis means 'of the field'.

Description

The cap is similar to that of "Agaricus campestris" (The Field Mushroom). The gills are white at first (when this fungus is most often confused with deadly "Amanita" species). They later pass through grey and brown to become dull chocolate. There is a large spreading ring, white above but sometimes with yellowish scales underneath. Viewed from below, on a closed cap specimen, the twin layered ring has a well developed 'cogwheel' pattern around the stipe. This is the lower part of the double ring. The odor is described as like anise. [Miller, Orson. "Mushrooms of North America". New York: E.P. Dutton, 1984.] It belongs to a group of "Agaricus" which tend to stain yellow on bruising.

imilar Species

*"Agaricus osecanus". Which is rare, and is without the aniseed smell.cite book | author = Roger Phillips | year = 2006 | title = Mushrooms | publisher = Pan MacMillan | isbn = 0-330-44237-6]
*"Agaricus xanthodermus". (The Yellow Stainer), which can cause stomach upsets.
*"Agaricus silvicola". (The Wood Mushroom), which is a touch more "arboreal", with a frail and delicate ring, but also edible.
*"Agaricus campestris", (The Field Mushroom), which is generally (but not always) smaller, has pink gills when young, and is also edible.

Distribution and Habitat

It is one of the largest white "Agaricus" species in Britain and North America.Frequently being found near stables, as well as in meadows, where it may form fairy rings. The mushroom is often found growing with nettles (a plant that also likes nutrient rich soil). It is sometimes found associated with spruce. [Lincoff, Gary. "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms". Chanticleer Press: New York, 1981.]

Edibility

Much prized by farmers and gypsies for generations. The 'Horse Mushroom' is one of the most delicious edible "fungi".

References

External links

* [http://www.mushroomexpert.com/agaricus_arvensis.html Mushroom Expert - Agaricus arvensis]
* [http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Agaricus_arvensis.html Mykoweb - Agaricus avernsis]