Agaricus augustus

Taxobox
name = "Agaricus augustus"
status = secure

---

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

"Agaricus augustus", also known as the Prince is a mushroom of the genus "Agaricus". It has the smell and taste of almonds due to the presence of benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol. [http://www.mycologia.org/cgi/content/full/94/3/373]

Description

*Cap: 5-30 cm across, dry, and has many and brown colored scales covering the entire cap surface. The flesh is thick, white, bruises yellow in age.
*Gills: Close and cream colored at first, turning dark brown in age.
*Spores: The spores are 9x6 um and colored chocolate brown.
*Stipe: Has a skirt-like ring and is 12 to 40 cm long, 2-6 cm thick, long, white, and is smooth above the ring and scaly below.
*Taste: Excellent.
*Odor: Smells like almonds.

The yellow-brown scales on the cap and almond odor differentiate this mushroom from others which resemble it.

Habitat

This mushroom is widely distributed and is found in the woods and in gardens. Though this mushroom is saprotrophic, it is often found under conifers.

Edibility

This mushroom is edible. It is collected widely in Eurasia, North America, Canada and some parts of Mexico. It is often used in omelettes in Europe, thinly sliced. However, this mushroom can be eaten fried too, as a vegetable.

External links

* [http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/aug2002.html Tom Volk's fungus of the month - Agaricus augustus]
* [http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Agaricus_augustus.html Mykoweb - Agaricus augustus]