Large soggy mushroom

[Steve Wurzel]

I was out foraging some elderflower earlier today when I spotted this under young trees..

It was "on the turn", ie about to turn to mush.. but there's probably enough of it left to try an ID.

The main feature was it's very large size, between 7-8inches. (180-200mm)

Spores looked to be dark brown.

It was growing on young woodland floor, beneath deciduous shrubs, hawthorn, birch and elder for the most part.


My best guess was Agaricus arvensis???




Any ideas? I'll try to keep an eye out for more fruiting as it's on a regular dog walk of mine..

[Stewy]

Hi Steve, I don't even think that the experts would be able to help you out with this one from the pics, the shroom looks pretty mashed but NickC will probably suss it!

[NickCantle]

It's definitely Agaricus MUSHINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too tough to say I'm afraid That is one manky shroom

[FungiJohn]

Yes, I'm afraid it's gone over to the dark side Steve
John

[Stewy]

Agaricus darthvaderish

[fairplay]

Me thinks this could be Agaricus chickenofthewoodsubstitutius

Nice find, so if you hurry Nick, there's a meal for you there.

Neil.

[NickCantle]

lmao Maggots = more protein, we all know that

[Steve Wurzel]

ROFL

FYI.. Darth Vader (aka Prowsy round yer!!) is a local Brissawl lad.. "Come over to the dark side our Luke mi babby"

We couldn't figure out why they dubbed his voice over


Now then, back to the rotting beasty.. I know it's past it's sell by date, but I was hoping to at least whittle it down to a few options!!

I'm assuming it's a large Agaric..

Roger's Mushrooms "easy key" only lists 4 Agaricus over 15cm and most of those can be excluded..

Agaricus arvensis
Agaricus augustus
Agaricus macrosporus
Agaricus praeclaresquamosus


But I also considered as it threw in..

Stropharia rugosoannulata
Cortinarius crassus

but both can be excluded IMO. Anybody know anymore to consider in the 180mm size range?

Churz
Steve