ID please

[leifus]

Haven't been keeping up with my fungi recently folks so would appreciate an ID on this one found on the isle of wight in a shady grassy area under hawthorn on a sand dune...

[Jason Green]

It reminds me of Shaggy Parasol, Chlorophyllum rhacodes - though I'm really only just beginning in this area!

[cybershot]

Close but not quite there Jason. This is showing the distinctive snakeskin-like stem and double grooved (and sometimes movable) ring of the Parasol - Macrolepiota procera. Usually a delicious edible but this one looks a bit beyond its BB date.
David

[Jason Green]

Thanks for the correction there David, and sorry Leif. David, does this mean one difference between the Shaggy and the 'regular' Parasol is that the ring on this individual's upright (apologies for the lack of technical terms...) is double-grooved then, as opposed to being smoother round the perimeter?

[NickCantle]

I must say Jase, impressive start and really great to see you here and getting stuck in. Something tells me that you're going to enjoy Autumn with us in this forum

The main differences between Chlorophyllum rhacodes (prev. Macrolepiota rhacodes) and Macrolepiota procera are;

The size difference! I've found M. procera about 35cm tall and they're very prominent. M. procera exhibits (as David highlights) a 'snakeskin' pattern on the stip whereas C. rhacodes doesn't. C. rhacodes is generally alot less substantial than its big brother.

Bruising on the stipe. C. rhacodes will bruise or blush quite a strong red where damaged. M. procera does not exhibit this characteristic.

Habitat sometimes varies between species. Pine woodlands and Spruce are good for C. rhacodes but M. procera is more likely to be discovered in grass plains, cliff edges,pastures and heaths.

You'll get a feel for 'the look' of species and be able to identify them straight off once you get a grip of defining features of each genus.


Unopened M. procera showing 'snakeskin' pattern and general 'lankiness' (technical term )


C. rhacodes unopened showing a more rough texture and smaller but more 'bulbous' cap in immaturity.

Hope that helps and ask any questions

Nick

[Jason Green]

Thanks for the welcome Nick! 35cms tall? Wow, if I miss seeing it at least I'll know it's there when I trip up over it! I had no idea we had such big ones in the UK. Yes, that's helped as well - thanks!

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Thanks for the welcome Nick! 35cms tall? Wow, if I miss seeing it at least I'll know it's there when I trip up over it! I had no idea we had such big ones in the UK. Yes, that's helped as well - thanks!

It's one of the most recognised species in the Uk, probably because of its size

[leifus]

thanks everyone for the ID hopefully many more to come this autumn - although it's not quite time to fully migrate from the flower forum