Illustrations and Descriptions of Lesser Known Fungi

2. AGARICUS CROCEO-CAERULEUS Saffron-Blue Agaric.

Difference.

A. With a subcarnose somewhat fleshy pileus cap that is obtusely umbonate having a blunt central bump and of a dilute blue color; lamellae gills that are subadnexed slightly attached to the stem and flesh-saffron in color; and a fistulose hollow whitish stipe stem.

Location.

It grows very rarely in dense woods on the ground.

Description.

The stipe is 2 inches and more in length, 2-3 lines approx. 4-6 mm thick, slightly broader toward the base, and of a pallid white.

The lamellae are barely 1 1/2 lines approx. 3 mm wide; they are distinguished by a pleasant subochraceous somewhat yellowish-brown color, are convex, and are slightly attached to the stipe.

The pileus is nearly 1 1/2 inches wide, expanded at the margin, broadly and obtusely umbonate on the disc center, and moist to the touch.

The cortina a cobweb-like veil is very ephemeral and observable only in young specimens.

The taste is bitter.

Observation.

Seen from a distance, it is indeed not unlike the preceding species if one considers the color; however, it is distinguished by the shape of the pileus and the very smooth, hollow stipe.

Illustration.

The first table, Figure 2, presents it whole and in diameter.