Agaricus californicus
Encyclopedia
Agaricus californicus, commonly known as the California Agaricus, is a poisonous mushroom in the section Xanthodermati of the genus Agaricus
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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 .
, Agaricus cupreobrunneus
, and Agaricus 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 Agaricuses of the section Xanthodermati - displays a yellowing reaction where it's flesh has been damaged. Unlike Agaricus xanthodermus
(another close cousin in the section Xanthodermati,) Agaricus 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.
Agaricus
Agaricus is a large and important genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with possibly over 300 members worldwide...
.
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 .
Differentiating Californicus
A. californicus is similar in general appearance to many other Agaricuses, especially to Agaricus campestrisAgaricus campestris
Agaricus campestris is commonly known as the field mushroom or, in North America, meadow mushroom. It is a widely eaten gilled mushroom closely related to the cultivated button mushroom Agaricus bisporus.-Taxonomy:...
, Agaricus cupreobrunneus
Agaricus cupreobrunneus
Agaricus cupreobrunneus, commonly known as the brown field mushroom, is an edible mushroom of the genus Agaricus.-Distribution and habitat:...
, and Agaricus 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 Agaricuses of the section Xanthodermati - displays a yellowing reaction where it's flesh has been damaged. Unlike Agaricus xanthodermus
Agaricus xanthodermus
Agaricus xanthodermus, commonly known as the yellow-staining mushroom, is a mushroom of thegenus Agaricus, which displays a strong yellow colouration at the base of the stem when cut...
(another close cousin in the section Xanthodermati,) Agaricus 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.