Agaricus lilaceps


Agaricus lilaceps, also known as the cypress agaricus or the giant cypress agaricus is a species of fungus. Aside from size, the mushroom is characterized by its robust stature. It is a prized edible.

Description

The cap is broad. It is convex, expanding to nearly plane. As it ages, the disc sometimes depresses. The margin, however, is incurved, although it decurves at maturity. The surface of the cap is at first pallid to cream-buff, especially when developing below ground, but soon becomes appressed and fibrillose-squamose. In addition, it varies from brown, hazel-brown, dull chestnut-brown, and occasionally lilac-brown, although it darkens as it ages. At times, the surface develops orange-brown, rufescent areas. The context is thick, very firm, white, and slowly turns vinaceous when cut or bruised. The odor is that of a typical mushroom, although it tastes mild.
The gills are free, close, moderately broad, and dingy-pink when young. However, when bruised, it turns reddish-brown slowly, and dark chocolate-brown at maturity.
The stipe is long, thick, and equal to clavate. The core of the stem is stuffed, while the surface is dry and white with scattered fibrils at the apex. However, the base is a discoloring dingy brownish-red to ochraceous. Also, the stipe can be smooth to patchy fibrillose below. There is a white partial veil that is membranous, thick, and elastic. The upper surface is wrinkled, while the lower surface is more or less smooth, occasionally cracking and forming patches. Also, the lower surface sometimes yellows in age or when bruised, forming a superior, pendulous annulus at maturity. The stipe gradually becomes blackish from adhering spores.
The spores are 5–6.5 by 4–5 μm, elliptical, and smooth. The spore print is dark-brown.

Identification

A. lilaceps can be distinguished from its relatives by its size, robust stature, reddening flesh, and the typical club shape of the stem.

Habitat and distribution

The mushrooms can be found scattered or clustered under Cupressus macrocarpa. They fruit from mid- to late winter. They are found exclusively in the central area of California, but can be found as far west as the Monterey Bay area. They can also be found on Stanford University under the eucalyptus.

Uses

It is among the largest and most choice edible Agaricus species in California. It may require thorough cooking to tenderize.