General Mycological Information
Scientific Name: Macrolepiota procera
Common Names: Parasol mushroom, giant parasol, shaggy parasol
Habitat: Grassy areas, meadows, and pastures
Native Region: Found worldwide
Growing Season: Summer and autumn
Recognizing Macrolepiota procera
Cap: 10-30 cm in diameter, convex to flat, white or cream-colored, with a prominent, scaly cap.
Gills: Free, white or cream-colored, and crowded.
Stem: 10-40 cm tall, cylindrical, hollow, and often ringed.
Spore Print: Brown.
Edibility and Toxicity
Edible: Macrolepiota procera is edible and has a mild, nutty flavor. However, it is important to be absolutely certain of identification before consuming any wild mushrooms, as some look-alikes can be poisonous.
Caution: The stem should be discarded as it can be tough and fibrous.
Interesting Facts
Size: Macrolepiota procera is one of the largest edible mushrooms, with caps reaching up to 30 cm in diameter.
Culinary Uses: It is often used in soups, stews, and stir-fries.
Appearance: The parasol mushroom gets its name from its resemblance to an open parasol.
Sources for Further Reading
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrolepiota_procera
MushroomExpert: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/macrolepiota_procera.html
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