Tricholoma virgatum


Tricholoma virgatum, commonly known as the ashen knight, is a mushroom of the agaric genus Tricholoma.

Taxonomy

It was first described scientifically as Agaricus virgatus by Elias Fries in 1818, and later transferred to the genus Tricholoma by Paul Kummer in 1871.

Description

The grayish cap is conical, with radiating streaks of fibres. It is up to across. The stipe is lighter and up to 15 cm long. The odour is mild to mealy and the taste acrid. The spore print is white.
Similar species in the genus include T. sciodes.

Distribution and habitat

It is found in the deciduous and coniferous forests of China, Europe, and North America.

Edibility

The mushroom is considered inedible and possibly poisonous.

Uses

Recent studies done on this mushroom have shown that its extract, after being submerged in methanol, can be effective in the prevention of diseases. This is due to the extract being antibacterial.