Agaricus californicus

Agaricus californicus, commonly known as the California Agaricus, is a poisonous mushroom in the section Xanthodermati of the genus Agaricus.[1]

Agaricus californicus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Division:
Basidiomycota
Class:
Agaricomycetes
Order:
Agaricales
Family:
Agaricaceae
Genus:
Agaricus
Species:
A. californicus
Binomial name
Agaricus californicus
Peck (1895)
Agaricus californicus
float
Mycological characteristics
gills on hymenium
cap is convex
hymenium is free
stipe has a ring
spore print is brown
edibility: poisonous

It is mildly poisonous, causing gastrointestinal upset in many individuals. The etiology of these symptoms is unclear and some individuals can eat it without experiencing symptoms, but since there is no way to tell who can eat the mushroom safely it is generally recommended against.[2][1]

Differentiating A. californicus

Agaricus californicus is similar in general appearance to many other Agaricus species, especially to A. campestris, A. cupreobrunneus, and A. bisporus, which are commonly collected for the table. Since A. californicus is toxic, differentiating it from other similar mushrooms is important.

Agaricus californicus – like many other Agaricus species of the section Xanthodermati – displays a yellowing reaction where its flesh has been damaged. Unlike A. xanthodermus (a close relative in the section Xanthodermati,) A. californicus's yellowing reaction is not always readily apparent. Even in specimens where the reaction is not immediately apparent the addition of a basic solution such as NaOH or even Lysol will cause the reaction to become quite noticeable, making this a convenient way to distinguish between A. californicus and similar mushrooms.[1]

See also
  • List of Agaricus species

References
  1. Arora D. 1986. Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi (2nd edition). Berkeley: Ten Speed Press. ISBN 0-89815-169-4.
  2. "California Fungi—Agaricus californicus". MykoWeb. Retrieved 2010-07-27.

Agaricus californicus in Index Fungorum
Agaricus californicus in MycoBank.

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