Chlorophyllum molybdites

Green-spored parasol Chlorophyllum molybdites
Chlorophyllum molybdites
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Agaricomycetes
Subclass:	Homobasidiomycetidae
Order:	Agaricales
Family:	Agaricaceae
Genus:	Chlorophyllum
Species:	C. molybdites
Binomial name
Chlorophyllum molybdites (G. Mey.) Massee (1898)
Synonyms
Agaricus molybdites Lepiota molybdites Leucocoprinus molybdites Macrolepiota molybdites Lepiota morgani

Chlorophyllum molybdites
Mycological characteristics
	gills on hymenium
	cap is flat
	hymenium is free
	stipe has a ring
	spore print is green
	ecology is saprotrophic
	edibility: poisonous

Chlorophyllum molybdites, which has the common names of false parasol or green-spored parasol is a widespread mushroom. Highly poisonous and producing severe gastrointestinal symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, it is commonly confused with the shaggy parasol, and is the most commonly consumed poisonous mushroom in North America.^[1] Its large imposing appearance and similarity to the edible Parasol mushroom, as well as its habit of growing in areas near human habitation, are reasons cited for this. The nature of the poisoning is predominantly gastrointestinal.

Distribution and habitat

Chlorophyllum molybdites grows in lawns and parks across eastern North America and California, and subtropical regions around the world.^[2] Fruiting bodies generally appear after summer and autumn rains. It has spread to other countries, with reports in Scotland and Australia.

Description

It is an imposing mushroom with a pileus (cap) up to 40 cm in diameter, hemispherical and with a flattened top. The cap is whitish in colour with coarse brownish scales. The gills are free and white, often with a greenish tinge. The tall stipe may be up to 25 cm tall and bears a ring. This mushroom lacks the snakeskin pattern that is generally present on the parasol mushroom. ^[3].

Toxicity

Chlorophyllum molybdites probably causes more poisonings in North America than any other species.^[1] The symptoms are predominantly gastrointestinal in nature, with vomiting, diarrhea and colic, often severe, occurring 1–3 hours after consumption.^[2]

Gallery

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  Chlorophyllum molybdites

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  Chlorophyllum molybdites

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  Chlorophyllum molybdites

External links

• Mushroom Expert - Chlorophyllum molybdites
• Tom Volk's Fungus of the Month - Chlorophyllim molybdites

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Beug, Michael W. An Overview of Mushroom Poisonings in North America. The Mycophile, vol. 45(2):4-5, March/April 2004
2. ^ ^{a b} Benjamin, Denis R. (1995). "Gastrointestinal syndrome". Mushrooms: poisons and panaceas — a handbook for naturalists, mycologists and physicians. New York: WH Freeman and Company. pp. 351–377. ISBN 0-7167-2600-9. 
3. ^ How to not pass up a parasol – and how not to