Description:
Macrolepiota procera, the Parasol Mushroom, is a choice edible species found on roadside verges, in neglected pastureland and on grassy seaside cliffsin late summer and autumn.
Habitat:
In woodland clearings and in grassy areas next to woodland.
Cap:
Initially spherical and pale brown with a darker brown area near the crown that breaks into scales, the cap expends until it is flat with a small umbo.
Gills:
The broad, crowded gills are white or pale cream and free, terminating some distance from the stipe.
Stem:
A large double ring persists around the stem but often becomes movable and falls to the base. The stem is smooth and white or cream but decorated with small brown scales that often give it a banded, snakeskin appearance. Inside the stem the tough, fibrous flesh is loosely packed, and sometimes the stem is hollow. Bulbous at the base, the stem tapers inwards towards the apex; the diameter ranges from 1 to 1.5 cm, and the stem height can be up to 30 cm.
Additional Notes:
Odour not distinctive; taste sweet.
