Agaricus bitorquis

Taxobox
name = Agaricus bitorquis

---

image_width = 220px
regnum = Fungi
divisio = Basidiomycota
classis = Agaricomycetes
subclassis = Homobasidiomycetidae
ordo = Agaricales
familia = Agaricaceae
genus = "Agaricus"
species = "A. bitorquis"
binomial = "Agaricus bitorquis"
binomial_authority = (Quélet) Sacc.mycomorphbox
name = Agaricus bitorquis
whichGills = free
capShape = convex
capShape2 = plane
hymeniumType=gills
stipeCharacter=ring
ecologicalType=saprotrophic
sporePrintColor=brown
howEdible=choice

"Agaricus bitorquis" is an edible white mushroom, similar to the Common mushroom, or "Button mushroom" that is sold commercially. The name supersedes "Agaricus rodmani". It is also known as The Pavement Mushroom, and has been recorded pushing paving slabs up.

Taxonomy

"bitorquis" means 'having two collars'.

Description

*Cap: Smooth, white, 4 to 15 cm, convex to flat. Often with dirt on the cap.
*Gills: Free, close, light color when young becoming dark brown as the spores mature.
*Spores: chocolate brown.
*Stipe: 3 to 11 cm, 2 - 4 cm thick, equal to enlarged at the base, stout, white, smooth, with a membranous veil and thick white sheathing near the base.
*Odor: Mild.It is often confused with Agaricus bernardii, however that mushroom has a salty odor.

Distribution and Habitat

Found growing in gardens, and at roadsides, often where salt is applied to combat ice in winter. Pushing through asphalt and slabs, it is very subterranean, and often matures underground. It is occasional throughout Europe, and North America.cite book |author=David Arora |year=1986 |title=Mushrooms Demystified |publisher=Ten Speed Press |isbn=0-89815-169-4]

Edibility

*Taste: Mushroomy, tasty, but it can be hard to rid of grit, due to its subterranean habits.

Microscopic Details

*Spores: Elliptical, smooth, 6 x 5 micrometers.

References

reflist

External links

* [http://www.botanischestaatssammlung.de/mycology/agaricus_bitorquis.html (A Drawing by Julius Schaffer)]