Lepiota ochrospora


Lepiota ochrospora is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Agaricaceae.

Taxonomy

It was described in 1893 by Mordecai Cubitt Cooke & George Edward Massee who classified it as Lepiota ochrospora.
Paul Heinemann suggested that this species may be synonymous with Leucocoprinus gandour however that species was found in Africa whereas Lepiota ochrospora was found in South America.''''

Description

Cap: 5–15 cm wide starting ovate then expanding with an umbo. The surface is pale with dark scales which are more dense around the umbo. The cap flesh is 2 cm thick at the disc and thinner at the margin, where there are striations. Gills: Free, moderately broad and ventricose. Yellowish drying to cinnamon. Stem: 6–15 cm long tapering upwards from a bulbous base. The surface has vertical striations running up the length and the interior is hollow. The stem ring is large and movable. Spores: 8 × 6 μm. Ovate and apiculate. Ochre in colour when viewed microscopically. Smell: Pleasant. Taste: Pleasant.
The dried specimen of this species is held by The New York Botanical Garden.

Etymology

The specific epithet ochrospora is named for the colour of the spores of this mushroom.

Habitat and distribution

The specimens studied were found the Coast Lands of British Guiana where they were found growing on the ground.

Similar species

Cooke and Massee state that it resembles Lepiota procera but that the spores are distinctly coloured like those of Cortinarii.