Volvariella speciosa (Fr. ex Fr.) Sing. syn. Volvaria speciosa (Fr. ex Fr.) Kummer. Grosser Scheidling Volvaire gluante Common Rosegill. Cap 5–10cm across, ovoid then convex to expanded, whitish with greyish-brown centre, viscid when moist. Stem 50–90 x 10–15mm, white, tapering upwards from the base which is enclosed in a whitish or somewhat greyish bag-like volva. Flesh white. Taste mild, smell earthy. Gills broad, crowded, white finally dark pink. Spore print pink. Spores print pink. Spores broadly elliptic, 13–18 x 8–10um. Habitat on well-manured groud, compost heaps and rotting straw. Season summer to autumn. Occasional. Edible but care should be taken in identification to avoid confusion with the deadly white-spored Amanitas; although the latter have rings, these may become detached. Distribution, America and Europe. |