This fungus is possibly a common species normally misidentified as Macrolepiota rhacodes. Reported to be edible but may cause stomach upsets in some people.
The cap is approximately 5–12 cm wide, initially convex becoming flattened in age; grayish olive brown, smooth; margin like the cap at first, soon breaking up concentrically into coarsely fibrous scales on a dingy background
Stains reddish or saffron on cutting. Odour and taste not distinctive.
The gills are free, white, becoming red or brown when bruised, darkening in age, close, edges finely fringed, in two or three tiers.
Spores are 8.7–11 × 5.8–8 µm, oval, with a small germ pore, dark reddish brown in Melzer's.
The stipe is about 1½ times as long as the diameter of the cap, top 7–15 mm thick, equal with an abrupt rounded bulb at the base, stuffed, smooth, white, surface darkening when bruised, cut flesh staining reddish or saffron. The ring isthick and moveable, persistent, membranous, double, the edge fibrous and frayed, white with the lower surface darkening in age.
Growing in soil among litter in both deciduous and less commonly coniferous woodland.
Habitat: On soil in woodland, probably usually associated with conifers. Notes: Data deficient. Very poorly known in Britain. First reported by Rea in TBMS 17: 35 (1932), and Phillips plate of Macrolepiota rhacodes var. rhacodes is also this fide Vellinga in FAN5 p. 73. Differing from M. rhacodes in the smaller spores and the velar patches on the pileus not markedly contrasting with the background fibrils. Recently collected in England (Surrey: Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens) this is possibly a common species normally misidentified as Macrolepiota rhacodes. Ref: BC
